03/08/2026
20comments | Jump to last
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(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Merlin Röhl is hoping his impressive pre-season can earn him a regular role in the Everton side this season.
The German has been a positive performer during the summer schedule and scored during the Toffees’ 2-1 win at Hamburg over the weekend. Röhl has featured in a variety of positions across the pre-season games, and featured from the right in Germany.
The 24-year-old hopes his flexibility can earn him more regular minutes in 2026/27, after starting only six games in the Premier League last season.
Röhl outlined what he feels he can bring to the Everton side this season and said his ambition is to nail down a starting spot.
“I am the type of person that will always look for things that we can do better,” Rohl told evertonfc.com after the win over Hamburg.
“No matter how good we are. I want to be better every game, and we will speak about some things after the games. Overall, it was a good win. Hopefully we can improve in the next game.
“Because the manager loves it, it’s really important. I don’t care to be honest; I just want to play. I don’t care about the position. I’m in a good spot; the manager loves versatile players, and I am one. I think that gives me the momentum to get onto the pitch, and that’s very important for me.
“I think one of my attributes is running. That’s why I came here and why I love to play here. I love to run, I love to press. It’s in my game to run a lot and press a lot, to win balls and be in a good position for the counterattack.
“I’m looking forward to the season. I don’t want to put too much pressure on me, or the season, but of course we all know I want to improve and play a little bit more.”
Reader Comments (20)
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Mike Hayes
2 Posted 03/08/2026 at 10:19:33
2 Posted 03/08/2026 at 10:19:33
Should be one of the first names on the team sheet and be given a chance in a Premier League game.
Should be in against Lille as the final pre-season game is usually the marker for the season start opener and who is in the first 11, barring injuries.💙
Should be in against Lille as the final pre-season game is usually the marker for the season start opener and who is in the first 11, barring injuries.💙
Tommy Carter
3 Posted 03/08/2026 at 10:25:28
3 Posted 03/08/2026 at 10:25:28
Moyes will start the following team in the opening game of the season:
Pickford
\O'Brien Tarkowski Keane Mykolenko
Garner Iroegbunam Dewsbury-Hall
Ndiaye McNeil
Barry
He'll swap Beto for Barry after half-time. He'll bring on Rohl after 60 minutes.
George will come on for McNeil after 75 minutes. Ndiaye will be sold after the first game, after which point George will start in his place.
Pickford
\O'Brien Tarkowski Keane Mykolenko
Garner Iroegbunam Dewsbury-Hall
Ndiaye McNeil
Barry
He'll swap Beto for Barry after half-time. He'll bring on Rohl after 60 minutes.
George will come on for McNeil after 75 minutes. Ndiaye will be sold after the first game, after which point George will start in his place.
Mike Hayes
4 Posted 03/08/2026 at 10:48:31
4 Posted 03/08/2026 at 10:48:31
Tommy Carter - probably right you just know who’s on the team sheet - rinse and repeat 🤷
Steve Brown
5 Posted 03/08/2026 at 10:54:03
5 Posted 03/08/2026 at 10:54:03
Tommy @ 3,
I can't believe the line-up for Crystal Palace on 22 August has been leaked already.
I can't believe the line-up for Crystal Palace on 22 August has been leaked already.
Tommy Carter
6 Posted 03/08/2026 at 11:17:27
6 Posted 03/08/2026 at 11:17:27
We were 3 points off Champions League football with 7 games to go and a derby as the next match.
We need a manager where that opportunity presents as one that needs to be capitalised upon. Not one where bottle is completely lost.
There may be arguments that will say he took us to that position in the first place. I'd argue that the quality of players that we have were more largely responsible as well as the amount of teams in a state of flux last season.
Such an opportunity may not come again as Chelsea, Newcastle, Liverpool, Tottenham and Forest will all be much improved. Add Man City, Arsenal and Man Utd to that list as well as Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton being better than us. There's 11 teams for a kick-off that I expect us to fall behind.
We need a manager where that opportunity presents as one that needs to be capitalised upon. Not one where bottle is completely lost.
There may be arguments that will say he took us to that position in the first place. I'd argue that the quality of players that we have were more largely responsible as well as the amount of teams in a state of flux last season.
Such an opportunity may not come again as Chelsea, Newcastle, Liverpool, Tottenham and Forest will all be much improved. Add Man City, Arsenal and Man Utd to that list as well as Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton being better than us. There's 11 teams for a kick-off that I expect us to fall behind.
Andrew Merrick
7 Posted 03/08/2026 at 11:58:50
7 Posted 03/08/2026 at 11:58:50
This lad is showing himself well in this pre-season. He has energy and desire, he can be seen to be improving, growing.
What manager wouldn't encourage that development of a cheaper younger player and use him? Let's see...
What manager wouldn't encourage that development of a cheaper younger player and use him? Let's see...
John Collins
8 Posted 03/08/2026 at 12:35:39
8 Posted 03/08/2026 at 12:35:39
I reckon he will start on the right of three, Andrew.
Two sitters.
Two sitters.
Andrew Merrick
9 Posted 03/08/2026 at 13:38:56
9 Posted 03/08/2026 at 13:38:56
I think he deserves that chance now, John.
What that means for Tyler is another matter though.
What that means for Tyler is another matter though.
Gaute Lie
10 Posted 03/08/2026 at 13:54:24
10 Posted 03/08/2026 at 13:54:24
I bet he would be a better striker than the two B's.
Anyone else on this one?
Anyone else on this one?
John Collins
11 Posted 03/08/2026 at 14:16:44
11 Posted 03/08/2026 at 14:16:44
A season-long loan, I think and hope, Andrew.
The kid looks terrified on the pitch, legs look locked at times mate. I'm not giving up on him, btw...
The kid looks terrified on the pitch, legs look locked at times mate. I'm not giving up on him, btw...
Andrew Merrick
12 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:41:48
12 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:41:48
With so little noise of any sort from the club, we can only guess, but if there is no longer any interest in Dwight McNeil, then he stays and Tyler Dibling goes, loan more likely than a sale.
Our incoming priorities have to be met, I'm hoping for 3 more: a dedicated right-back, Djed Spence, and a striker other than Delap.
If Spence can play either side, we would then have enough options at the back, and the midfield is looking well stocked. Ndiaye is an unknown though; if he's going, get it done now and up the budget to spend.
Our incoming priorities have to be met, I'm hoping for 3 more: a dedicated right-back, Djed Spence, and a striker other than Delap.
If Spence can play either side, we would then have enough options at the back, and the midfield is looking well stocked. Ndiaye is an unknown though; if he's going, get it done now and up the budget to spend.
Tom Bowers
13 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:50:41
13 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:50:41
Better forget about Jed Spence. His value tripled after the World Cup. Expect Man Utd to bag him if he comes on the market.
More than likely Johnston will fit our budget and he can raid a bit.
It is likely also that a few will be gone by the deadline and alas one will be Ndiaye.
More than likely Johnston will fit our budget and he can raid a bit.
It is likely also that a few will be gone by the deadline and alas one will be Ndiaye.
Tony Abrahams
14 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:02:30
14 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:02:30
Reading the posts on the thread about the player we are signing from Arsenal, then I'm hoping we are going to have a lot more balance across our midfield this season, John.
One sitting and two playing higher, would be nice.
One sitting and two playing higher, would be nice.
John Collins
15 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:13:14
15 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:13:14
6
8
10
I agree Tony, more fluid.
8
10
I agree Tony, more fluid.
David West
16 Posted 03/08/2026 at 19:09:30
16 Posted 03/08/2026 at 19:09:30
If we have no Garner to start the season, I'd love to see Merlin Rohl given a sustained go in the middle.
If Dibling can't see that Rohl isn't a winger, but his hunger to play, succeed and make an impact will get him in ahead of him, then Dibling won't make it at Everton.
If I'm a young lad looking at the right-wing options, I'm thinking "Get me on, you won't take me out, I'll show you, this position is mine."
It's for Dibling to grasp it. Rohl won't give a shit how much he cost, he'll run further, tackle more, chase back, break foward... He's bound to start over Dibbling because he's shown he wants it more!
If Dibling can't see that Rohl isn't a winger, but his hunger to play, succeed and make an impact will get him in ahead of him, then Dibling won't make it at Everton.
If I'm a young lad looking at the right-wing options, I'm thinking "Get me on, you won't take me out, I'll show you, this position is mine."
It's for Dibling to grasp it. Rohl won't give a shit how much he cost, he'll run further, tackle more, chase back, break foward... He's bound to start over Dibbling because he's shown he wants it more!
Jay Lewis
17 Posted 03/08/2026 at 21:43:50
17 Posted 03/08/2026 at 21:43:50
Rohl should have kept his starting place in the team after the Villa match.
We all know he's not old enough for the dinosaur...
We all know he's not old enough for the dinosaur...
Mike Gaynes
18 Posted 03/08/2026 at 21:47:34
18 Posted 03/08/2026 at 21:47:34
Rohl should have kept his place, Jay?
In what position? In place of who?
In what position? In place of who?
Jay Lewis
19 Posted 03/08/2026 at 22:04:59
19 Posted 03/08/2026 at 22:04:59
Gana Gueye, Mike. I think he was back from Afcon and just slipped back in. Should never have been the case.
Put in a Man of the Match performance only to get dropped because the older experienced fella's back is just wrong. Gueye could have benefited from a rest too.
Starting place should be earned from performance and Rohl earned it in that match.
Put in a Man of the Match performance only to get dropped because the older experienced fella's back is just wrong. Gueye could have benefited from a rest too.
Starting place should be earned from performance and Rohl earned it in that match.
Andy Meighan
20 Posted 04/08/2026 at 14:39:18
20 Posted 04/08/2026 at 14:39:18
This kid is gonna be some player for us. I love his energy, his drive, and his ability to play in a few positions, a la Garner.
Seems to go under the radar a bit with a lot of our fans and I hope we don't regret that. Speaks highly of the club, the fans, and the city, comes across as a lovely lad and I hope I see a lot more of him this season.
Over to you, miserable arse.
Seems to go under the radar a bit with a lot of our fans and I hope we don't regret that. Speaks highly of the club, the fans, and the city, comes across as a lovely lad and I hope I see a lot more of him this season.
Over to you, miserable arse.
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1 Posted 03/08/2026 at 09:58:13