Credit: Imago
Tue 9 September 2025 21:10, UK
David Moyes is set for a selection headache, with a new signing staking his case for a role in the starting XI.
Everton will face Aston Villa on Saturday, with Moyes looking to extend his team’s winning streak to four games in all competitions.
The visitors are yet to score a goal this season, after losses to Brentford and Crystal Palace followed an opening day draw to Newcastle United.
On the other hand, Everton beat Wolves 3-2 to make it two wins from three in the Premier League, with their other victory coming against Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup.
Everton have been predicted to lose to Aston Villa, however, in a bold call given the form of both sides.
Credit: ImagoMerlin Rohl impressing in Everton training
Everton signed Merlin Rohl on loan from SC Freiburg on transfer deadline day, with the deal including an obligation to buy the German next summer.
The midfielder arrives with promising signs as well as caveats, having missed much of last season with injury issues.
But the 23-year-old’s talent is not in question, and standing at six foot three, he would appear, on paper, to have the physicality the Premier League demands.
Rohl can play in several positions, but is primarily expected to challenge fellow summer arrival Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for his position at the head of Moyes’ midfield.
Rohl missed 19 matches through injury last season, according to Transfermarkt.The prior season saw him miss five games, whilst the 2022/23 season saw Rohl miss three.
And the Berlin-born talent may be closer to contention than imagined.
“The whispers I’ve heard is that Merlin has impressed,” wrote former Everton defender Michael Ball for the Liverpool Echo on 9 September.
“And he’s adapted really well to the sessions and is impressing with his performances in training, and that’s fantastic to hear he’s showing so much quality already, as you don’t often get such glowing praise so soon.”
We have completed the signing of midfielder Merlin Röhl from Bundesliga club SC Freiburg on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy in the summer of 2026. 🇩🇪
Welcome to Everton, Merlin! ✍️ pic.twitter.com/7YrK4NZRpW
— Everton (@Everton) September 1, 2025
View Tweet
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will not be easily displaced
Dewsbury-Hall has enjoyed a superb start to the season with Everton, and is among the Premier League leaders for chances and big chances created.
The midfielder also bagged his first goal for the Toffees against Wolves, smashing in a stunning strike past Jose Sa.
Kiernan Dewsbury-HallPremier League 2025/26Assists1Goals1Chances created8Successful dribbles3Big chances created3
Rohl would not have joined Everton expecting to walk into the starting line-up, and the German certainly will not.
But Moyes will hope to see the midfielder continue to compete for his spot, with Dewsbury-Hall also set to benefit from the contest.
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