Merlin Rohl has admitted that now every single one of his Everton teammates is fully aware of just how fast he is.
Handed a rare start under David Moyes, the 23-year-old midfielder was played out of position on the right-wing.
It seemed a bizarre decision from the Everton manager at first, but it was one which certainly paid off as the game developed.
Who was your Man of the Match as Everton settle for a point? 🤝
Rohl was able to showcase his pace down the right flank, which certainly took a number of Evertonians by surprise.
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Merlin Rohl discusses his deceiving Everton speed
Taking to TalkingPoints after the game, Everton supporters voted Rohl as their Man of the Match despite Sky Sports awarding it to Tim Iroegbunam.
It was an assured performance from the 23-year-old, who was selected ahead of the likes of Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George.
“I know I’m fast. It took some time but now everyone in the team knows!” Rohl told the Everton website.
Another penalty decision not going in Everton’s favour? 🫣
Bernardo Silva wasn't even looking at the ball 🤷♂️
“I saw an opportunity – Jake had the ball and there was some space, so I ran and went through. I tried to shoot but that’s football – there’s an element of luck in the game. I tried to aim for the far corner and the defender deflected it a little bit, which made it perfect for Thierno.”
For a player to only have 14 touches of the ball in 89 minutes and come out as the fans’ Man of the Match just goes to show how impressive he was against City.
From the moment he landed on Merseyside, Rohl was praised for his Everton training efforts back at Finch Farm.
That is ultimately where the German has mainly been able to showcase himself to Moyes, with a real lack of minutes on the pitch this season.
Everton supporters have already seen Moyes experiment with Harrison Armstrong out on the wing earlier in the year.
Whether this means a permanent position change for Rohl is in the offing will have to be seen, but his performance on Monday night cannot be denied.
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