Everton manager David Moyes has his very own Marouane Fellaini waiting in the wings, so now is the time to unleash him after the score draw against Sunderland.
After a really positive start against Sunderland, Everton didn’t take their chances to get a two-goal lead, and it ended up costing them in the second half.
David Moyes singled out Thierno Barry after the game for missing a glorious chance, and the Scotsman felt it was a turning moment in the Stadium of Light clash.
“We get one, hit the post twice, then Barry misses a big chance which would have made it 2-0. I thought that took the wind out of our sails a little bit,” the Everton boss said.
“I think everybody sort of went, ‘Oh my goodness, we didn’t take the chance we got’, because Sunderland are one of the best defensive teams in the league at the moment and not giving away too many opportunities.”
It’s clear Everton have a real issue up front, so to combat that, Moyes should now unleash his next Fellaini, who is still awaiting his full debut.
Merlin Rohl in action during Everton v Aston Villa
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Everton should start Merlin Rohl in Marouane Fellaini role
Moyes is going to have to be really creative to find a solution to the issues up front, with neither Barry or Beto doing enough.
Moyes could give Braiden Graham a chance as he’s considered one of the best youngsters in the academy at the moment.
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But, Graham’s lack of physicality for a centre-forward might be an issue, so the Scotsman should now turn to Merlin Rohl.
Whilst Rohl isn’t a striker, he does have the attributes to play as a number 10 and become a goal threat like Fellaini was all those years ago.
Speaking exclusively to Everton News earlier this season, German football expert Ruairidh Petre explained that his best position is as an attacking midfielder.
“Most see Rohl as a natural central attacking midfielder, with his ability on the ball and comfort moving through defensive set-ups,” Petre said.
“What’s yet to become clear despite a good amount of first-team football at Freiburg is how natural he is in front of goal, which, as already mentioned, is something the 23-year-old needs to improve upon.”
Given Rohl stands at 6ft 3 inches tall, he could develop into an aerial threat and get on the end of quality deliveries from Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye.
David Moyes has been impressed by Merlin Rohl
Moyes has been really cautious with Rohl, having only handed him cameo appearances here and there.
That’s quite surprising given the fact that the Scotsman came out publicly in September and admitted he has no doubts about Rohl adapting to the Premier League.
“I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen, I have to say,” Moyes said,
“Look, he’s another young boy coming in from a different league, a different speed, a different intensity, but he’ll be able to handle it. I’ve got no doubt about that.”
Merlin Rohl is an outlier at Everton. A summer signing, from abroad, that has quickly convinced Moyes & his staff
Physical numbers have really impressed at FF
W/Gueye set for AFCON & Garner also used at full-back, obvious pathway to regular minshttps://t.co/DYzO4cBdDz
— Patrick Boyland (@Paddy_Boyland) October 29, 2025
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Surely after one win in eight games, the Everton boss will take the handbrake off and be bolder in his selections.
Rohl simply has to start against Fulham this weekend