How data-driven app turned new Everton signing Merlin Rohl into superstar
Everton completed the signing of Merlin Rohl on deadline day to complete their summer business.
Rohl joined Everton on loan with an obligation to buy from Freiburg and had impressed in the Bundesliga.
Many of Rohl’s stats were better than those of Abdoulaye Doucoure, which suggests that David Moyes has found a potential gem in the market.
However, the midfielder’s career could have been vastly different if it weren’t for an app.
Merline Rohl was found by FC Ingolstadt through Tonsser
Before Rohl was at Freiburg, the midfielder made a name for himself at FC Ingolstadt.
The 23-year-old joined the German club in 2018. However, it wasn’t through traditional methods.
According to Morgenpost on 27 June, Rohl was still playing at upper amateur level at 15 years old and was mainly unnoticed by scouting talents.
Despite this, he was highly appreciated by his teammates, who would give him high ratings on an app called Tonsser, where the midfielder had only created a profile for fun.
- Rohl joined Freiburg in 2022
- The midfielder has played 53 times for the German club
- Rohl has also played in the Europa League with Freiburg and scored during his eight appearances
On top of this, when his friends noticed he was high up on the scoreboard, they kept giving him high ratings.
However, data-driven scouting was still a distant prospect in the amateur game in Germany seven years ago.
Therefore, FC Ingolstadt cooperated with the app and eventually invited the highest-rated players to a trial, with Rohl being among 75 participants.
Despite being used as a defender in the trial, he was named the best player. As a result, he received an offer, and his career has since taken off.
What has David Moyes said about Merlin Rohl
Rohl is no doubt an exciting addition for Everton, with the midfielder clearly a special talent.
As a result, Moyes was no doubt excited to see the 23-year-old officially sign for the Toffees on deadline day.
He told Everton’s official website on 1 September: “We’re really pleased to bring Merlin to Everton.
“He’s a Germany Under-21 international who will add different qualities to our existing midfield options.
“He’s an exciting prospect who we’ve followed at the Club for some time, and we’re all looking forward to working with him as we continue to build a squad and team at Everton.”
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