Dwight McNeil in action for Everton on the left with Merlin Rohl in action on the right

Dwight McNeil and Merlin RohlImago

Everton player ratings vs Bolton - Merlin Rohl impresses out of position, Dwight McNeil a problem

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at GamingINTEL and GRV Media; University of Wolverhampton graduate. FOCUS Data content, opinion, and general news coverage across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Scott utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, broad-spectrum reporting. He provides the data and opinion foundations behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

25 Jul 2026, 3:57 pm

Everton's pre-season campaign continued with a 0-0 draw against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.

David Moyes is looking to make the leap forward to those coveted European places next season.

A strong pre-season would certainly put the Toffees in a better position with just a month to go before it kicks off, but despite the result there was plenty to take away.

Unfortunately, Blues fans have had to wait for Hayden Hackney to make his debut as he continues to be integrated into the squad.

But there were many youngsters handed minutes that will assuredly provide some excitement as well as some top displays from some of last season's outcasts.

And when it comes to one of the better players on the pitch, Merlin Rohl is up there for a shout.

Merlin Rohl growing into exceptional player for Everton

After looking at last season, you would be surprised to see the level at which Rohl has been operating at recently.

Yes, while admittedly it is only pre-season, the German has been asked to operate in unfamiliar territory.

In the 4-0 win against Dundee, Rohl was utilised as a right-back and against Bolton he was asked to play as a wing-back.

In the second half, he was moved back centrally but it has to be said that he looks quite solid on the right of defence.

In the first half, he put a sumptuous ball into the box for Thierno Barry, but the Frenchman's finish was chalked off for offside.

Nice move + so close to the opener from Thierno! 😮‍💨

Watch live on evertontv. ▶️ pic.twitter.com/kNViyrksxz
— Everton (@Everton) July 25, 2026

Hopefully plenty more of these types of displays will follow from Rohl throughout the season.

And if a right-back has not been scooped up by the time the league begins, Rohl has given Moyes plenty to think about.

David Moyes must place trust in Merlin Rohl to avoid another Everton blunder

Dwight McNeil continues to be an Everton problem

Dwight McNeil can have his moments in an Everton shirt, but truthfully he also limits the attacking threat as well.

At times, Everton were looking to pounce quickly against the Wanderers, but when the ball came out to the Englishman, he showed the opposite of urgency.

The number seven constantly slowed the game down by not releasing the ball quick enough and that will continue to be a problem.

His performance against Bolton further highlighted the need for Everton to get more attackers through the door.

And as Goodison News has been covering, Nestory Irankunda could be Everton's solution.