There have been many examples where players have gone from being pretty average to one of the best in their position in the Premier League.
Joelinton at Newcastle United is a prime example, as Eddie Howe converted him from a centre-forward to a midfielder.
Do we all owe this man an apology after his performance against Man City? 👀
Credit where it's due, he was absolutely fantastic! 👏
Howe spotted that the Brazilian had attributes which suited a box-to-box role, and since making the switch, he’s established himself as a fan favourite on Tyneside.
With that said, Everton have the opportunity to do that with one of their own players who isn’t getting much game time at all in his current position.
Merlin Rohl can become a £60m player at right-back
Merlin Rohl earned lots of plaudits after his Manchester City display, which saw him make only his third Premier League start of the season.
Rohl was up and down the right flank all game, amplifying his exceptional athleticism and dynamism.
Many were stunned by how fast the 23-year-old was, but it wasn’t a surprise to him at all.
“I know I’m fast. It took some time but now everyone in the team knows,” Rohl explained to Everton’s website.
Who was your Man of the Match as Everton settle for a point? 🤝
The German operated as a right-winger, but looking at his heat map, it’s clear he was really comfortable playing deeper as well.
That makes me think he can convert and develop into an elite-level right-back, as he has all the traits necessary.
Indeed, it’d be a risk to make the position change at this stage of the campaign, but with a proper pre-season, Moyes could improve his understanding of the role and have him firing on all cylinders ready for August.
Interestingly, speaking back in October, the Everton manager did admit that he could see Rohl playing as a full-back.
“He can play so many roles,” the Scotsman stated.
“We would have no problem tucking him in off the sides or maybe even putting him as a full-back or a midfield player. He can play higher up or lower down, so he gives us quite a lot of flexibility.”
If Rohl were to convert into a right-back, it would save the Toffees at least £30m in the summer transfer window, allowing funds to be allocated to other areas of the squad.
Everton have been showing an interest in Ben White, who would be an expensive acquisition from Arsenal.
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