How Merlin Rohl performed on his Everton debut vs Aston Villa
Merlin Rohl made his debut for Everton in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.
Everton added Rohl on deadline day, adding such much-needed depth to David Moyes’ ranks in a crucial position.
That allowed Everton to send Harrison Armstrong as loan, as the Scotsman felt that he was covered in the central areas.
The Blues could not secure victory against Unai Emery’s side at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but Rohl eventually got on the pitch.
Merlin Rohl impresses for Everton in Aston Villa cameo
Tim Iroegbunam was handed the start over Rohl, but the German midfielder eventually came on with 24 minutes left to play.
The Toffees were pushing for a winner, and the 23-year-old did not look out of place as he made his first appearance for the Merseysiders.
Rohl looked comfortable on the ball, and even better when he was without in, which will encourage Moyes.
As per Sofascore, he took 16 touches and completed seven of his 10 pass attempts, for a 70 per cent success rate.
Defensively was where he truly stood out, as the former Freiburg star completed both of his two tackles that he attempted, for a 100 per cent completion rate.
He also won three of the six ground duels that he competed for, and both aerial duels, which gave him 50 per cent and 100 per cent success rates in those respective stats.
It was a very encouraging debut, and Moyes will surely not hesitate to start him in the future, as he offers more than Iroegbunam, who was the safe option against the Villans.
| Stats | Rohl |
| Touches | 16 |
| Pass completion | 7/10 (70%) |
| Tackles won | 2/2 (100%) |
| Ground duels won | 3/6 (50%) |
| Aerial duels won | 2/2 (100%) |
Merlin Rohl may have secured a start against Liverpool
Iroegbunam was preferred, probably due to the fact that he is more familiar with the way that Moyes likes his side to play and his teammates on Merseyside.
However, after Rohl’s first showing, there is every chance that the Scotsman is willing to throw him into the deep again, as he is much more technical that the ex-Villa man.
Premier League champions and arch-rivals Liverpool are next up, and it is a possibility that Rohl starts against the Reds, after his latest showing.
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