Merlin Rohl was excellent on Monday night for Everton, but do not be surprised to see him on the bench this weekend.
David Moyes handed the German a rare opportunity against Manchester City earlier this week when he started the midfielder on the right wing.
It has been a turbulent campaign for Rohl since landing on Merseyside, but the 23-year-old had Everton supporters off their seats against Manchester City.
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Sunday provides the Toffees a completely different challenge in their trip to Crystal Palace; a challenge that Moyes may not fancy Rohl in.
Merlin Rohl showed Everton supporters his true potential vs Man City
Although Sky Sports handed Tim Iroegbunam the Man of the Match award, Everton supporters voted Rohl as their Man of the Match over on TalkingPoints.
The game on Monday was just Rohl’s third Premier League start of the season under Moyes.
It was, however, a performance of a player who looked like he had played week in and week out over the course of the 2025/26 campaign.
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Rohl shocked everyone with his pace as he was able to get in behind the City backline by turning the afterburners on down the right flank.
Many supporters may feel that Rohl’s involvement in the starting XI must say a lot about the likes of Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George, but it was clear that Moyes’ game plan was much better suited to Rohl.
Everton’s Crystal Palace game plan may not suit Rohl at the weekend
Although he was voted your Man of the Match over on TalkingPoints, Rohl had just 14 touches of the ball against Man City on Monday.
| Merlin Rohl vs Man City | Total |
| Minutes | 89 |
| Touches | 14 |
| Key passes | 0 |
| Dribbles attempted | 0 |
Pep Guardiola has utilised Nico O’Reilly this season, but Moyes was able to nullify the exciting 21-year-old by being able to match his fitness levels.
Would Moyes have been able to get that work ethic out of George or Dibling? Potentially not.
Rohl has deserved the credit he has received on the back of Monday’s game, but it must be considered that it was not a typical winger performance.
Everton had just 25% of the ball throughout the 90 minutes in a game which suited players like Rohl who may not be the best on the ball, but have the engine to chase down the opposition.
The German did not attempt a single dribble past an opposition player, which is something Moyes’ wingers are likely going to have to do on Sunday.
Fans who have been before will know just how tight the pitch at Selhurst Park is. Everton’s wingers are going to be required to beat their full-backs this time around.
Now, whether that is something Rohl is capable of is another question as he is still a central midfielder after all.
Do not be surprised if you see Dwight McNeil return to the XI to face the side he almost joined in January.
It is a fixture that is crying out for a tricky winger like Dibling or George, but whether they will be afforded the opportunity remains to be seen.
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