27/07/2026
51comments | Jump to last
Photo from Everton FC
Merlin Röhl has said he's happy to be Everton's utility man after fulfilling multiple roles during the opening games of pre-season.
Röhl started at right-back during the first fixture win at Dundee, before stints at wing-back and in central midfield during the goalless draw with Bolton. The German was signed as a midfielder, but has featured in a number of roles during his time at Everton to date.
Right-back has been an ongoing problem position for the Blues, whose search for a signing in that position this summer continues.
Röhl discussed deputising at full-back following the draw at Bolton and said he's willing to feature in any role the manager asks. He hopes his versatility can earn him regular minutes in the upcoming campaign.
“I train everywhere. Sometimes I train at right-back, sometimes on the wing. Sometimes you need to think about, OK, when you're right-back, 'I want to train a little bit for my crossing. I want to train a little bit on this touch’," he said.
“Then you need to have a good balance to train everything. But in the end, you need to be a good footballer to play on the pitch. No matter what position, you just need to be calm on the ball. That's what I'm trying to improve as much as possible so that it doesn't matter which position. I'm always going to be a footballer that is capable of playing on this level. That's my goal.
“I think in football it's so hard to predict anything. You always try to see what's coming.
“It's about my performances. If I had scored two goals at right wing-back, everyone would say, ‘oh yeah, maybe he's a good right wing-back’. That's football. It can change next week again if I play in a different position and perform there. It's always about the situation and how I perform in this one.
“[Against Bolton] I was hoping to get a little bit more [into] offensive situations and counter-attacks, and maybe stayed a little bit too high sometimes. Then they got a little bit in behind sometimes. That's what you learn when you play these positions against a very good team today. I'm going to take a lot from today and always enjoy playing everywhere.”
Read more - Romano stokes Everton exit rumours for Ndiaye as Al-Hilal 'open talks' over a deal
Reader Comments (51)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()
Peter Gorman
2 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:48:13
2 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:48:13
Merlin is a fan's favourite waiting to happen.
Kevin Molloy
3 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:49:15
3 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:49:15
I think the problem with Merlin is he's a little too accommodating. I don't think he cares that much about footy (compared with his fellow pros).
The fact he doesn't know his best position at this stage is indicative of the fact he's just drifting along.
The fact he doesn't know his best position at this stage is indicative of the fact he's just drifting along.
Andrew Merrick
4 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:09:08
4 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:09:08
Maybe he's happy being a squad player and figures he will get game time in more than one position.
Andrew Ellams
5 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:39:41
5 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:39:41
He played in multiple roles during his time at Freiburg too, including full-back, so this isn't all new to him.
Jim Bennings
7 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:07:35
7 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:07:35
Could be the closest thing we've had to a Fellaini type cult figure.
I enjoy the way he plays the game, he gets about the pitch well and he's deceptively fast.
I enjoy the way he plays the game, he gets about the pitch well and he's deceptively fast.
Alan J Thompson
8 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:31:25
8 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:31:25
Might be nice to sign players for the positions they are needed and then play them in their strongest positions in Premier League matches and move them around in practice at Finch Farm.
David West
9 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:21:46
9 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:21:46
He's good on the ball, athletic and strong.
He's definitely not a right-back, clips of him in Germany driving forward from midfield show he's got a lot to offer in the middle.
With Garner maybe missing the start of the season, he may get a chance, Tim's tackling will probably get him the nod though.
He's definitely not a right-back, clips of him in Germany driving forward from midfield show he's got a lot to offer in the middle.
With Garner maybe missing the start of the season, he may get a chance, Tim's tackling will probably get him the nod though.
Ian Wilkins
10 Posted 27/07/2026 at 16:06:39
10 Posted 27/07/2026 at 16:06:39
The fact that he can play in multiple positions is great... but please not another makeshift right-back, please no.
If the new recruitment team can't identify realistic options for right-back and pin one down (preferably first choice), then I despair.
How many seasons must we go without a proper right-back?
If the new recruitment team can't identify realistic options for right-back and pin one down (preferably first choice), then I despair.
How many seasons must we go without a proper right-back?
Christy Ring
11 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:25:53
11 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:25:53
I don't believe it's a good thing to be able to supposedly play in a number of positions, for the simple reason, it'll stop the player excelling in his natural position.
Rohl is not a full-back or left-winger, Armstrong is not a winger, and O'Brien is definitely not a full-back, and Moyes has to stop putting round pegs in square holes.
Rohl is not a full-back or left-winger, Armstrong is not a winger, and O'Brien is definitely not a full-back, and Moyes has to stop putting round pegs in square holes.
Mike Gaynes
12 Posted 27/07/2026 at 19:13:13
12 Posted 27/07/2026 at 19:13:13
Merlin is blazingly fast, strong, skilled on the ball and adaptable. What's not to like?
Christy #11, the square pegs argument holds no water for me. A player is a player, and if there is one thing Moyes is good at, it's recognizing a player's talent and teaching him a new position at Moyes University. He played Seamus at right mid for a season while he took a degree in right-back. He converted Jags from midfield to center back, successfully shifted Lescott from center back to left back for a season and turned the defensive Fellaini into quite a threatening attacker for his final season with us.
And while it was clearly not supposed to be a long-term solution, taking unused center back O'Brien off the bench and plugging him in at RB in January 2025 had an immediate and massively positive effect on the team's performance. It was a major factor in pulling us clear of relegation danger.
The Athletic reports that the club is "confident" of signing a quality right-back in this window, but if that doesn't happen and Moyes is confident enough in Rohl's training-ground performance to put him in the position, I think it will be a much better solution than returning O'Brien to the role. Merlin's attacking instincts will serve us well there.
Christy #11, the square pegs argument holds no water for me. A player is a player, and if there is one thing Moyes is good at, it's recognizing a player's talent and teaching him a new position at Moyes University. He played Seamus at right mid for a season while he took a degree in right-back. He converted Jags from midfield to center back, successfully shifted Lescott from center back to left back for a season and turned the defensive Fellaini into quite a threatening attacker for his final season with us.
And while it was clearly not supposed to be a long-term solution, taking unused center back O'Brien off the bench and plugging him in at RB in January 2025 had an immediate and massively positive effect on the team's performance. It was a major factor in pulling us clear of relegation danger.
The Athletic reports that the club is "confident" of signing a quality right-back in this window, but if that doesn't happen and Moyes is confident enough in Rohl's training-ground performance to put him in the position, I think it will be a much better solution than returning O'Brien to the role. Merlin's attacking instincts will serve us well there.
Ian Bennett
13 Posted 27/07/2026 at 19:40:22
13 Posted 27/07/2026 at 19:40:22
The positive Mike, is that Everton haven't missed out on any targets yet.
The inactivity is a worry. But whilst the main targets still haven't moved, there is a chance we can still put together a decent squad.
Wage capacity has been freed from Coleman, Gueye, and Grealish, so let's see.
The inactivity is a worry. But whilst the main targets still haven't moved, there is a chance we can still put together a decent squad.
Wage capacity has been freed from Coleman, Gueye, and Grealish, so let's see.
Dave Lynch
14 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:05:38
14 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:05:38
It's not a question of shoehorning players into positions, Mike, it's a question of strengthening the bloody squad. We can't compete on any level next season with the current squad we have.
You buy and play specific players for their specialised roles and strengths. If they get injured, you can then fill the gap with a player who can do a job in that role.
You buy and play specific players for their specialised roles and strengths. If they get injured, you can then fill the gap with a player who can do a job in that role.
John Collins
15 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:10:38
15 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:10:38
The Moyes University 😄
i'm guessing your on the wind up Mike.
i'm guessing your on the wind up Mike.
John Collins
16 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:21:07
16 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:21:07
"The positive Mike, is that Everton haven't missed out on any targets yet."
How do you know that Ian?
How do you know that Ian?
Dave Lynch
17 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:28:10
17 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:28:10
University of Mediocrity...he passed with first class honours.
Raymond Fox
18 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:47:19
18 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:47:19
He's tall, quick, strongly built and intelligent, of course he can play in a few positions.
That's not to say he will be equally good in some of them, passable maybe but definitely better suited to maybe a couple.
That's not to say he will be equally good in some of them, passable maybe but definitely better suited to maybe a couple.
Christy Ring
19 Posted 27/07/2026 at 21:10:04
19 Posted 27/07/2026 at 21:10:04
Being tall quick and strong doesn't make O'Brien a fullback or Rohl a right winger.
an Moyes not buy a natural right-back? How long does it take Moyes to know it doesn't work long term??
an Moyes not buy a natural right-back? How long does it take Moyes to know it doesn't work long term??
Daniel Thomas
20 Posted 27/07/2026 at 22:32:59
20 Posted 27/07/2026 at 22:32:59
Good point Mike.
Lots of younger players get minutes in positions that aren’t their best or most natural, early on in their development.
Hell, Saka was used as a left back in his early appearances for Arsenal.
Lots of younger players get minutes in positions that aren’t their best or most natural, early on in their development.
Hell, Saka was used as a left back in his early appearances for Arsenal.
Annika Herbert
21 Posted 27/07/2026 at 22:37:15
21 Posted 27/07/2026 at 22:37:15
In actual fact it was the Sheffield United manager who converted Jagielka to centre half, not Moyes.
Fellaini was a box to box midfielder in Belgium with Standard Liege, where he occasionally played as a defensive midfielder. Again,nothing to do with the Moyes University of mediocrity.
The only reason Lescott was played st left back, was because of the successful pairing of Yobo and Jagielka in the middle.
Fellaini was a box to box midfielder in Belgium with Standard Liege, where he occasionally played as a defensive midfielder. Again,nothing to do with the Moyes University of mediocrity.
The only reason Lescott was played st left back, was because of the successful pairing of Yobo and Jagielka in the middle.
Mark Taylor
22 Posted 27/07/2026 at 23:48:52
22 Posted 27/07/2026 at 23:48:52
I like the look of Rohl but if we get to the end of another transfer window and still haven't signed a proper right back after 4 years without one, I think I'm going to take the hatchet to the hedgehog...
Dale Self
23 Posted 27/07/2026 at 23:57:03
23 Posted 27/07/2026 at 23:57:03
I had him as more of a CM that could be disciplined enough to get forward without creating an open-season on our back line. If we are playing Tark or Keane, that is needed for more potent possession in the final third.
If Garner is claiming that as his comfort role, alright, he has earned the right and shown the goods there.
Having Rohl moving around may do for him what it did for Garner. The vision James displayed, as well as better positioning, came from his utility role.
As long as he and Baines are tight, it will get worked out for him. Along the way, he is the type of player (and personality it seems) for whom the growth is worth the unfamiliarities.
Just the kind of guy who could take some pressure off Dibling, and possibly talk him up once Merlin gets comfortable in a leadership capacity.
We have some decent dudes at the core of this squad. However, let's not let that keep us from railing about various other letdowns.
If Garner is claiming that as his comfort role, alright, he has earned the right and shown the goods there.
Having Rohl moving around may do for him what it did for Garner. The vision James displayed, as well as better positioning, came from his utility role.
As long as he and Baines are tight, it will get worked out for him. Along the way, he is the type of player (and personality it seems) for whom the growth is worth the unfamiliarities.
Just the kind of guy who could take some pressure off Dibling, and possibly talk him up once Merlin gets comfortable in a leadership capacity.
We have some decent dudes at the core of this squad. However, let's not let that keep us from railing about various other letdowns.
Mike Gaynes
24 Posted 27/07/2026 at 00:38:49
24 Posted 27/07/2026 at 00:38:49
John #15, Seamus' words, circa 2012 or so.
John #16, how do you know we have?
Christy #19, did you read the rest of my post and miss this?:
The Athletic reports that the club is "confident" of signing a quality right-back in this window...
Therefore they're trying to do so.
John #16, how do you know we have?
Christy #19, did you read the rest of my post and miss this?:
The Athletic reports that the club is "confident" of signing a quality right-back in this window...
Therefore they're trying to do so.
Steve Brown
25 Posted 28/07/2026 at 01:57:19
25 Posted 28/07/2026 at 01:57:19
In fairness to Moyes, he usually only selects a maximum of 3 players out of position per game.
Ian Bennett
26 Posted 28/07/2026 at 01:58:37
26 Posted 28/07/2026 at 01:58:37
Because John, none of the right backs weve been heavily linked with, nor the defensive midfielders or wingers have moved.
But please, tell me different.
But please, tell me different.
Paul Griffiths
27 Posted 28/07/2026 at 03:24:55
27 Posted 28/07/2026 at 03:24:55
It actually pains me that Rohl is discussing the possibility of the right-back position because it almost certainly means that the oldest PL manager by 9 years has spoken to him about the future and possibly playing there.
Mike Gaynes
28 Posted 28/07/2026 at 04:57:33
28 Posted 28/07/2026 at 04:57:33
Or, Paul... Rohl looked at a very crowded midfield situation where he is unlikely to be first choice... and brought up the idea to the manager himself.
Steve Brown
29 Posted 28/07/2026 at 06:49:20
29 Posted 28/07/2026 at 06:49:20
Ian, it might be true that our targets have not moved.
Although, a number of players on our short-list may have signed for other clubs. We don't know for sure.
However, isn't it the job of the recruitment team to engineer moves with player agents and make progress on finalising deals? A number of clubs make progress on deals that were then ready to announce when the transfer window opened on 15th June.
Hopefully, we are making progress in the background, but at an outcome level there is little to show since the season ended 2 months ago.
Although, a number of players on our short-list may have signed for other clubs. We don't know for sure.
However, isn't it the job of the recruitment team to engineer moves with player agents and make progress on finalising deals? A number of clubs make progress on deals that were then ready to announce when the transfer window opened on 15th June.
Hopefully, we are making progress in the background, but at an outcome level there is little to show since the season ended 2 months ago.
John Collins
30 Posted 28/07/2026 at 07:27:43
30 Posted 28/07/2026 at 07:27:43
Mike. 24
John #16, how do you know we have.
That's my point Mike.
I don't know,neither do you and Ian.
John #16, how do you know we have.
That's my point Mike.
I don't know,neither do you and Ian.
Peter Gorman
31 Posted 28/07/2026 at 07:46:14
31 Posted 28/07/2026 at 07:46:14
"I don't believe it's a good thing to be able to supposedly play in a number of positions, for the simple reason, it'll stop the player excelling in his natural position."
Try telling that to the Ajax and Dutch teams of the 1970s.
Totaalvoetbal!
Try telling that to the Ajax and Dutch teams of the 1970s.
Totaalvoetbal!
Paul Griffiths
32 Posted 28/07/2026 at 07:54:47
32 Posted 28/07/2026 at 07:54:47
Fair point MG - 28. I still see the balance of power lying with Moyes, however, and his roving around trying to fix a right-back situation that he is partly responsible for.
Paul Griffiths
33 Posted 28/07/2026 at 07:56:08
33 Posted 28/07/2026 at 07:56:08
Over 50 years ago Peter - 31. Erm, football has changed.
Tony Abrahams
34 Posted 28/07/2026 at 08:02:28
34 Posted 28/07/2026 at 08:02:28
I remember Moyes, played Jagielka, in central midfield against Metalist Kharkiv, and I don’t think he had any real option other than to never play him there again.
In saying that we had to endure Joseph Yobo, playing there a few times. Big, strong and athletic, but I still look back with embarrassment whenever I remember that time Liverpool, played for an hour and beat us with ten men.
Yobo & Carsley v Alonso, was no contest. One played sideways and forward, two played sideways and backwards, that was a very shameful day.
In saying that we had to endure Joseph Yobo, playing there a few times. Big, strong and athletic, but I still look back with embarrassment whenever I remember that time Liverpool, played for an hour and beat us with ten men.
Yobo & Carsley v Alonso, was no contest. One played sideways and forward, two played sideways and backwards, that was a very shameful day.
Christy Ring
35 Posted 28/07/2026 at 08:23:01
35 Posted 28/07/2026 at 08:23:01
Mike#24 I’ve no problem with your post Mike, but at this stage have we even made an offer for a fullback considering we’ve been linked with so many?
Andrew Ellams
36 Posted 28/07/2026 at 08:34:58
36 Posted 28/07/2026 at 08:34:58
Ian @ 26, doesn't mean they have turned Everton down though which would mean we have missed out on targets.
Darren Hind
37 Posted 28/07/2026 at 08:50:24
37 Posted 28/07/2026 at 08:50:24
"Moyes university" Quite possibly the funniest thing I have ever read on here.
Andrew Ellams
38 Posted 28/07/2026 at 09:06:27
38 Posted 28/07/2026 at 09:06:27
At least where not being linked with a move for Jordan Henderson today
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/27/chelsea-surprise-move-danny-welbeck-brighton
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/27/chelsea-surprise-move-danny-welbeck-brighton
Paul Griffiths
39 Posted 28/07/2026 at 09:13:50
39 Posted 28/07/2026 at 09:13:50
Darren mate - Richard Dodd c.2006: Moyes will get us into the Champions League knock-out stages within three years.
Tony Abrahams
40 Posted 28/07/2026 at 10:30:39
40 Posted 28/07/2026 at 10:30:39
Dale@23, I agree with that last paragraph mate. We have got some very good players at the club, imo.
My own view is that Rohl, has done more than enough to warrant playing on the right side of midfield, although with teams now being able to use five subs, I’m not sure that being versatile is now as important as it used to be, although this won’t be underestimated by our manager.
Moyes has always liked players who could play in more than one position, and Rohl, fits that kind of profile.
If we can now just sign a few more good players, in the positions that they are needed the most, then it’s quite possible we could have our strongest squad in years🤞
People say Moyes, doesn’t play younger players but my own view is that the squad needs a few players with more experience, especially if both Keane and Tarkowski, are going to be replaced in the middle of our defence?
My own view is that Rohl, has done more than enough to warrant playing on the right side of midfield, although with teams now being able to use five subs, I’m not sure that being versatile is now as important as it used to be, although this won’t be underestimated by our manager.
Moyes has always liked players who could play in more than one position, and Rohl, fits that kind of profile.
If we can now just sign a few more good players, in the positions that they are needed the most, then it’s quite possible we could have our strongest squad in years🤞
People say Moyes, doesn’t play younger players but my own view is that the squad needs a few players with more experience, especially if both Keane and Tarkowski, are going to be replaced in the middle of our defence?
John Collins
41 Posted 28/07/2026 at 10:54:34
41 Posted 28/07/2026 at 10:54:34
Pickford
New RB Obrien Branthwaite New LB
Garner Hackney
Rohl Kdh George
Beto or Barry.
Not far off.
Two full backs using the Ndiyae money.
One centre forward using the TFG money.
New RB Obrien Branthwaite New LB
Garner Hackney
Rohl Kdh George
Beto or Barry.
Not far off.
Two full backs using the Ndiyae money.
One centre forward using the TFG money.
Mike Gaynes
42 Posted 28/07/2026 at 16:29:49
42 Posted 28/07/2026 at 16:29:49
John #41, might swap KDH and Hackney in your lineup. KDH has openly expressed a preference to play at #8, and almost half of Hackney's minutes last season were spent at #10.
Tony #40, great point. My own view is that the next generation of leadership will come from Garner, the quiet exemplar, and KDH, the firebrand. But assuming he stays in the lineup, the natural destination for the armband is Branthwaite.
Tony #40, great point. My own view is that the next generation of leadership will come from Garner, the quiet exemplar, and KDH, the firebrand. But assuming he stays in the lineup, the natural destination for the armband is Branthwaite.
John Collins
43 Posted 28/07/2026 at 16:41:16
43 Posted 28/07/2026 at 16:41:16
I havent seen Hackney play apart from a few YouTube clips.
I know KDH said he prefers box to box 8 so that could work.
The one I'm hanging my hat on is Armstrong.
I'd like to see him central in a 4-3-3 but don't think Moyes would play that system.
Imo he will work his way into the team early next season.
If he's played in his right position and given a run of 10 games, he will be a fixture in the side.
I didnt put him in because I don't think he will start in the first games.
I know KDH said he prefers box to box 8 so that could work.
The one I'm hanging my hat on is Armstrong.
I'd like to see him central in a 4-3-3 but don't think Moyes would play that system.
Imo he will work his way into the team early next season.
If he's played in his right position and given a run of 10 games, he will be a fixture in the side.
I didnt put him in because I don't think he will start in the first games.
John Collins
44 Posted 28/07/2026 at 16:43:58
44 Posted 28/07/2026 at 16:43:58
What was Hackney goals and assists last season Mike, if you know them.
Ian Bennett
45 Posted 28/07/2026 at 16:45:01
45 Posted 28/07/2026 at 16:45:01
Grealish left out of Man City tour, so it looks like that is coming to a head.
I like the idea of Dewsbury Hall in an 8. I still feel he could score or assist from that position, as he does from a 10, but we could add more goals into the side with a quality 10.
Branthwaite absolutely as captain. Just for god sake build his fitness, and know when to take him out.
I like the idea of Dewsbury Hall in an 8. I still feel he could score or assist from that position, as he does from a 10, but we could add more goals into the side with a quality 10.
Branthwaite absolutely as captain. Just for god sake build his fitness, and know when to take him out.
John Collins
46 Posted 28/07/2026 at 16:47:02
46 Posted 28/07/2026 at 16:47:02
Just checked.
5 Goals
6 Assists.
Thats an improvement straight away if he can transfer that to the Prem
5 Goals
6 Assists.
Thats an improvement straight away if he can transfer that to the Prem
Mike Gaynes
47 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:32:26
47 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:32:26
John #46, and I would add one more number -- 19.
That's the number of games he wore the captain's armband last season before he was injured.
Age 23 (at the time) and captain of a team driving for a Championship title. Impressive.
Speaks to the admiration his own club had for the kid.
I think we got a really, really good one.
That's the number of games he wore the captain's armband last season before he was injured.
Age 23 (at the time) and captain of a team driving for a Championship title. Impressive.
Speaks to the admiration his own club had for the kid.
I think we got a really, really good one.
John Collins
48 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:33:57
48 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:33:57
I hope he's a winner Mike, a player who is hurt by defeat.
We haven't had many of them recently.
Fingers crossed for the kid
We haven't had many of them recently.
Fingers crossed for the kid
Mike Gaynes
49 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:42:58
49 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:42:58
John #43, completely agree on Armstrong, but the problem is we already have SIX players -- KDH, Garner, Armstrong, Iroegbunam, Rohl and Hackney -- who can play in the deep-lying midfield position, and it'll be 7 if the continuing rumors about Pape Gueye come true.
Gueye is a monster, a truly world-class player IMO, and would make us instantly better -- but he sure would worsen that traffic jam at the back of midfield.
And if that happens, Armstrong is surely ticketed for another loan to the Championship. I'm guessing that's the probable outcome even if we don't sign Gueye.
Gueye is a monster, a truly world-class player IMO, and would make us instantly better -- but he sure would worsen that traffic jam at the back of midfield.
And if that happens, Armstrong is surely ticketed for another loan to the Championship. I'm guessing that's the probable outcome even if we don't sign Gueye.
John Collins
50 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:50:49
50 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:50:49
It's like the time we signed 4 no 10s in half an hour Mike.
Definitely an overload in thm two positions, but I consider Armstrongs best position is 10.
A few variations in formations we could use to utilise but Moyes won't do it
Definitely an overload in thm two positions, but I consider Armstrongs best position is 10.
A few variations in formations we could use to utilise but Moyes won't do it
Mike Gaynes
51 Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:08:44
51 Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:08:44
John, gotta disagree on Armstrong. I saw him play twice for Preston last season at deep mid and he was absolutely commanding back there, breaking up plays and spraying passes all over the pitch.
But when Moyes started him three times at #10 in January, to me he looked a fish out of water, not quick enough on the ball to handle those tight spaces. Moyes even took him off at HT against Leeds I think, and the next week he was out on the wing.
He's only 19, so there's certainly time for him to develop, but I would guess his best future is probably #8.
But when Moyes started him three times at #10 in January, to me he looked a fish out of water, not quick enough on the ball to handle those tight spaces. Moyes even took him off at HT against Leeds I think, and the next week he was out on the wing.
He's only 19, so there's certainly time for him to develop, but I would guess his best future is probably #8.
John Collins
52 Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:19:57
52 Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:19:57
We agree to disagree Mike.
Ive watched him in our second team a few times, eye of the needle passer.
Trying to remember who he assisted with one of them for the first team.
A difficult position for any player, never mind a young player, to shine in immediately.
I've posted for a while now, he will, imo, develop into the best of them all.
Ive watched him in our second team a few times, eye of the needle passer.
Trying to remember who he assisted with one of them for the first team.
A difficult position for any player, never mind a young player, to shine in immediately.
I've posted for a while now, he will, imo, develop into the best of them all.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
How to get rid of these ads and support TW
© ToffeeWeb
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
1 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:41:23
But I think centre-midfield might be his best.
Great attitude as well.