An expert on German football has predicted what Everton fans can expect from new signing Merlin Rohl.
Deadline day arrival Rohl was David Moyes’ ninth and final purchase of a busy summer for the Toffees.
The 23-year-old joined from Bundesliga side Freiburg on a season-long loan with a £17.3m obligation to buy.
With fans no doubt eager to see what Rohl is all about, German sports reporter Constantin Eckner has shared his views.
Indeed, the journalist states he is ‘guessing’ that Rohl will operate as an attacking outlet, rather than a defensive midfielder.
Speaking with BBC Radio Merseyside, Eckner stated: “It’s tough to pinpoint what his best position might be – he has played a number of roles.
“I don’t really think he should play as a number six in the Premier League just because he doesn’t possess the physicality you probably need for it – especially with Everton, what they want to achieve and the battles they will be facing.
“I’m guessing he will be playing a more attacking role, and we will see from there.
“He’s technically gifted, but is he a number 10? Not quite. I could see him playing there, though not just as the type of player to deliver key passes, but also someone who can make a run into the box and be a secondary option.”
ROHL CAN FULFIL VARIOUS ROLES FOR TOFFEES
With Idrissa Gueye competing at AFCON in December, it was believed Rohl may have been brought in to compensate for the Senegalese midfielder’s absence.
However, if Eckner is correct, we can expect to see the summer sighing in a more advanced role.
Perhaps a victim of his versatility, Rohl fulfilled multiple roles while at Freiburg. Indeed, as per The Athletic, Rohl has played in nine different positions since 2022.
He was most utilised in a central attacking midfield position. However, he was also used as a defensive midfielder, winger and centre-forward.
Regardless, Rohl could be an exciting addition to Moyes squad, but it will be interesting to see how the Scot utilises the 23-year-old.
