Sep 26, 2026 3:43 PM

Everton's Merlin Rohl has been used as a makeshift right-back at times in the Premier League this season, and it's something he's now discussed taking on the new challenge.

Who should start at right-back?

Maitland-Niles
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Rohl
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When Everton signed Merlin Rohl last summer, it was a deal that didn't make a lot of sense.

It was always going to be difficult for him to cement a regular place in Everton's midfield, but on loan, it was a fairly risk-free move on paper.

However, Rohl's move was turned permanent when Everton avoided relegation, meaning the Toffees were forced to commit to paying a fee to secure his signature. 

Looking back, it's a deal that's starting to make a little more sense. Rohl's versatility means he's become a useful squad player for David Moyes, and a necessary one considering the lack of right-back options.

The German midfielder started the season as Everton's first-choice right-back, before Ainsley Maitland-Niles was brought to the club.

Rohl then suffered an injury, but he's now revealed he shouldn't be too far away. Discussing his injury and his new role at Everton, Rohl has been speaking to Everton's media as he continues his recovery at Finch Farm.

Merlin Rohl on the right-back Rohl

Rohl has admitted that he does see himself as a potential right-back in the future after being thrown into the role during the early weeks of the season. 

"I can see myself as a right-back and even in the future see myself playing there. I try to learn as much as possible every day to learn the position.

"I watch my games back, I watch other right-backs and I don't see any reason why I don't play there."

Rohl started Everton's first four games of the season at right-back, three in the Premier League while also starting against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup. 

The German U21 international then suffered an injury following the game against Manchester United, and he hasn't been seen in an Everton shirt since. 

Rohl discussed how it was a dream to be involved for Everton as a starter, pleased by the fact that he was able to have a full pre-season with the squad, playing regularly for the Toffees during the summer. 

"I was so happy to have a full pre-season with the whole team. To be there consistently and to have had an opportunity to play - I think I had the most minutes of any player in the squad in pre-season so that went really well for me and I started the first games of the season, it was kind of a dream.

"Even if it was in a position I was not playing before, I was so happy to play and see so much potential for myself in the position. It was going really well."

Rohl provides injury update

Ahead of Everton's most recent game against Ipswich Town in the Premier League, before the international break, Moyes confirmed that Rohl wasn't available. The Everton manager hoped that he would be fit to return after the international break. 

Speaking on his recovery while at Finch Farm, Rohl confirmed that he was out on the grass training, while others were given a break. 

"Very nice, it's going very well, I was enjoying it today outside. I think one and a half weeks more."

That would mean Rohl should be fit enough for Everton's game against Hull City in the Premier League in October, which is a big boost for the Toffees.

Whether Rohl starts that game remains to be seen, as Maitland-Niles has enjoyed an impressive start to the season. Rohl is, of course, an option for Everton in the middle of the park, while he's also been deployed as a winger during his time at the club. 

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