- Merlin Rohl has started just 13 games this season
- Rohl had a decent outing against Manchester City
- German youngster has expressed gratitude for playing at Everton
Merlin Rohl’s first season at Everton has been defined by patience. The German midfielder arrived on loan from Freiburg with an obligation to buy after Everton avoided relegation. But game time has been scarce. Before Monday’s visit of Manchester City, Rohl had made just 12 appearances, starting only two.
David Moyes has relied heavily on a core group of players this season, leaving limited opportunities for others. But Merlin Rohl never complained. He put his head down, worked hard in training, and kept his attitude positive.
Earlier in the season, he posted a heartfelt Instagram message that revealed his attitude.
“Coincidence and luck define our lives in so many ways,” he wrote. “I am so grateful for the coincidences and the luck that have allowed me to play in this beautiful stadium. For this great club. In front of the eyes of our passionate fans. In the best league in the world. So many things that I could not control, and yet here I stand, living my dream of playing in the Premier League.”
‘I gave everything on the pitch’
Against Manchester City, Rohl was handed a rare start, his first since the victory at Aston Villa in January. He played 89 minutes on the right wing, a position not his natural one. His numbers were modest but his impact was massive. His contribution went beyond statistics. He was involved in the build‑up to goals, showed discipline defensively, and was the victim of a blatant penalty shout when Bernardo Silva grappled him to the ground.
After the game, Merlin Rohl spoke with honesty and a sense of gratitude. “Of course I’m really happy to play, to have started. It has been a long time since my last start against Aston Villa, so I’ve tried to be patient and work hard on the training pitch every day. I’m glad the manager trusted me today and gave me an opportunity. I gave everything on the pitch to try to take that chance and have an impact. I had some situations where I did help the team, so that was really nice for me.”
Rohl also made clear he would play anywhere for the team. “I’m happy to be on the pitch, to play in front of these great supporters, in a great stadium. There’s never a position I wouldn’t play.”
Moyes trusted Merlin Rohl and he delivered
Ahead of the West Ham game, Moyes had spoken about Rohl and Tyler Dibling. “Merlin, we like, Tyler, we like. Tyler, we’re giving more time to because of his age. Merlin could have easily been involved in some more games and played a little bit more time. It’ll do him no harm to have sat back for the best part of the season and looked at it. No, we like them, they’re both good boys.”
When asked whether players like Dibling and Rohl could make a difference in the final four games, Moyes said: “It’s always the way, isn’t it? You’re always hoping that the opportunities come, and when they do, they’re ready to take it. I hope they are ready, because we need it.” The manager saw the hunger in training and Rohl proved him right against Manchester City.
Merlin Rohl: ‘I took so much motivation from the walk-ins’
Rohl also spoke passionately about the support at Hill Dickinson Stadium. “I’ve watched a lot of the games from the bench. It’s not nice to be on the bench, because you want to be playing, but you can always take something from it.”
“I took so much motivation from the walk-ins, the celebrations when we score, and I’m always thinking about this atmosphere… I want to be on the pitch and to enjoy it. I enjoyed it today and I’m really grateful for it.”
With three games remaining, Rohl has given Moyes a genuine selection dilemma. His performance against Manchester City showed he is ready. And his attitude, throughout a difficult season, has been exemplary. His performance yesterday and his attitude might have earned him a lifeline as Everton go into the final three games of the season. A potential good pre-season may give Rohl another chance to excel for the Blues.
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