Credit: Imago, Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Credit: Imago, Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Match

Merlin Rohl in, ‘outstanding’ star out – Everton’s best starting XI after deadline day

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Everton and David Moyes will no doubt believe that the transfer window has been a success.  

The Toffees have brought numerous big names into their side, with Everton’s acquisition of Jack Grealish rightly hailed.

This is despite Moyes’ earlier concerns about Everton’s business in the summer, with the Toffees finally finding their feet late in the window.

Now that the transfer window has closed, Goodison News has examined what Moyes’ best starting XI is, with Merlin Rohl going straight into the side.

Everton star Jack Grealish looking confused.
Jack Grealish has been incredible so far for Everton (Credit: Imago)

Merlin Rohl goes straight into Everton’s starting XI

In goal, Jordan Pickford remains Everton’s undisputed number one, with James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite being the centre-back pairing.

With Moyes unable to bring in a right-back at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Jake O’Brien remains the Scotsman’s best option, with Vitalii Mykolenko on the opposite flank.

Into midfield, and new signing Rohl comes into the starting XI, with Idrissa Gueye partnering the former German Under-21 international.

  • Rohl was signed by Everton on deadline day
  • The 23-year-old has joined on loan with an obligation to buy
  • Rohl had impressed in the Budesliga with SC Freiburg

However, this means James Garner will miss out, who has been labelled “outstanding” by Ian Kennedy in the past.

Ahead of the duo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall occupies the attacking midfielder spot, with Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye on the wings.

Up top, Thierno Barry gets the nod, despite his poor start at Everton, with Beto dropping out. 

A graphic of what Everton's best starting XI looks like
Everton has an excellent squad this season (Credit: Lineup builder)

A right-back is sorely needed at Everton

Much of Everton’s starting XI is excellent, and Moyes should have his side looking up the Premier League table this season rather than over their shoulder.

However, the right-back position remains a sticking point, and O’Brien is likely to be expected to fill this void, despite being a natural centre-half.

Everton must quickly fix this issue either by looking into the free agent market or identifying targets ready for the January transfer window.

While O’Brien is capable of doing a job in this position, the Republic of Ireland international should not be viewed as the long-term solution.

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James Garner
Merlin Rohl
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