David Moyes is 'wasting' Everton star, he could be another Marouane Fellaini - Keith Wyness

David Moyes cannot continue to use Everton midfielder Merlin Rohl as an auxiliary right-back as the season progresses.

That is according to former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the boss would seriously limit the German's potential if he continues to play him out of position.

The 24-year-old has been used on the right side of the backline on several occasions in pre-season, with the club still yet to bring in a new right-back, despite it being one of their top priorities all summer.

Wyness outlined that Everton fans are growing increasingly excited about Rohl after an injury-hit campaign last year, and feels he could be a breakout star this season.

The central midfielder was only fit to start six Premier League games in 2025-26, but still did enough to convince Moyes and Co. to trigger their £18million purchase option.

Rohl has done an impressive job for his team in pre-season, but Wyness emphasised that it will bring no benefit for him playing at right-back long-term.

Merlin Rohl compared to Marouane Fellaini

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Rohl could play a similar role for the Toffees to their former hero Marouane Fellaini.

The imposing Belgian midfielder gained a reputation for arriving late into the box to become a goal-scoring threat, and Wyness feels that Rohl could operate in a similar fashion.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, the Scottish businessman outlined why the Merseysiders are missing out if they have to continue to use Rohl at right-back.

"Moyes loves that (versatility). I mean, James Garner, Merlin Rohl, there are a few others that have played like utility players and been in different positions," he said.

"Merlin Rohl is going to be wasted at right-back though. He's really been one of the breakout players in pre-season. He's done really well. Fans are getting very excited about his potential, but certainly right-back is not where they want him. 

"They want him to be in centre mid, and he's starting to show that he can be that sort of player. He could be another Fellaini, I think, in midfield if he's allowed to really go.

"Utility players are part of Moyes style. It allows you freedom of tactical moves within games as well as covering for injuries. But I believe it would be a waste to have him at right-back long-term." 

Keith Wyness updates on right-back pursuit

Wyness told Football Insider last week week that Everton are still considering "two or three names" to add to their right-back department in the final month of the transfer window.

He outlined that the club are still working hard behind the scenes to nail down the right man to come in and fill the position.

They were heavily linked with a move for Celtic's Alistair Johnston last week, but have since cooled their interest amid concerns over his asking price.

The recruitment team have until the 1 September transfer deadline to find their man, otherwise Rohl could be stuck there long-term.