David Moyes has stressed that Rohl and Dibling have a future at Everton.
Tyler Dibling has started just 4, while Rohl has started 2 games this season.
Rohl’s loan move will be permanent this season as Everton avoided relegation.
David Moyes has lately relied heavily on a core group of players, leaving limited opportunities for many. Among those who have seen fewer minutes are midfielders Merlin Rohl and Tyler Dibling.
The German arrived on loan from Freiburg with an obligation to buy if Everton avoids relegation, while 20‑year‑old Dibling was signed from Southampton for a significant fee. Neither has featured regularly, but Moyes insists they remain valued members of the squad.
Rohl has made just 12 appearances this season, starting only two and totalling 375 minutes. Dibling has fared slightly better with 14 appearances of which he started four games. Both have shown flashes, but game time has been scarce, particularly during Everton’s strong run of form.
David Moyes: ‘It’ll do him no harm to have sat back’
When asked about the lack of minutes for the pair ahead of the West Ham game, Moyes explained his reasoning.
“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.”
The manager also acknowledged that the team’s success has limited opportunities for rotation. “The team has been doing pretty well, so they’ve not been required that often. It’s always the ones who are not in who are the ones who you think can do a better job, so it’s one of those things.”
Hope for the final weeks and beyond
Asked whether players like George, Dibling and Rohl could make a difference in the final four games, Moyes was realistic but hopeful.
“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… I thought Tyrique came off the bench at Brentford and made a difference, [he] maybe didn’t in the game on Sunday. So this is the thing, you never know what you’re going to get. There’s no guarantee, and we can name whoever we like. But we want them to come on when they do come on and make a difference.”
Reflecting on Everton’s recruitment overall, Moyes noted that not every signing hits the ground running. “I think on average if you sign four I think one probably successful, I think that’s somewhat the ratio in where it is. I think actually the players who’ve been here have done a good job, people like Kiernan and Jack have added to it as well. I think we’ve needed moments at different times from Merlin, and Tyler, a little bit less. Probably in the main we’ve been OK.”
Rohl’s move will become permanent this summer after Everton avoided relegation, triggering the obligation to buy. Dibling remains a long‑term project.
With four games left and European football still possible, the likes of Dibling and Rohl will hope for opportunities. Moyes will hope his squad players prove they are ready to contribute when required. As he said, “you never know what you’re going to get”, but the manager’s backing suggests both Rohl and Dibling have futures at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Shumail Sajid
Shumail Sajid is a dedicated and expert writer covering various teams, most recently, Everton, with a keen eye for team developments, match analysis, and the latest news. With three years of experience as a football writer, he provides interesting, insightful coverage that resonate with fans. Beyond writing, he is a passionate football follower, frequently attending matches and exploring football culture. Follow his work for in-depth yet fan-friendly analysis, and feel free to share your thoughts, even if you disagree! Connect with him on @shumail1434 on X
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