‘What were you thinking?’ – Everton fans furious with Merlin Rohl after what he did vs Sunderland
Merlin Rohl has done himself no favours with the Everton fanbase after another off-the-pace display against Sunderland on Saturday.
Everton fans have already made comparisons with Jean-Philippe Gbamin during his early stages at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, having made just 10 appearances across all competitions.
It was also just his second start in Toffees colours since arriving on loan from Freiburg on 10 January, but with David Moyes without Jack Grealish due to suspension, the team needed creativity.
The manager was absolutely fuming after clashing with the Old Gold, even more after Michael Keane’s ban was upheld, but he had to immediately put that behind him for the FA Cup third round.
Despite a lack of options on the pitch, it might be a while until Rohl is picked again.
Merlin Rohl frustrates Everton teammates with wasted effort
In the 18th minute, after the Toffees won the ball back in a dangerous area, Rohl tried his luck from the best part of 40 yards, seeing his effort go miles wide and frustrating his teammates.
Supporters instantly took to social media with complaints, calling the midfielder out as “terrible,” and after early comparisons to Gbamin, new comparisons are being made to a “post-injury” Morgan Schneiderlin.
It is safe to say that the home supporters were furious with their rarely-seen midfielder, and the abuse only increased when the Black Cats hit the back of the net in the 30th minute.
- @LownesMatthew: “Rohl moves like Morgan Schneiderlin post-injury. Slow.”
- @LittleObby: “Ffs Rohl,” with a facepalm emoji.
- @CianGibbons4: “The more I see of Rohl, the more I give up on this club’s recruitment.”
Rohl’s concerning display in numbers vs Sunderland
Rohl was hooked just before the full-time whistle, with the Premier League sides forced to play extra-time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but supporters will have wanted him off long before then.
As well as his only shot being off target, the German only completed 50 per cent of his dribbles, was dispossessed once, won 33 per cent of his tackles, and also won just 50 per cent of his ground duels [FotMob].
He also did well not to pick up a yellow card after committing two fouls, while also being dribbled past twice, struggling to persuade Moyes that he is trustworthy moving forward.
Both Carlos Alcaraz and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are sidelined, so it was no surprise to see multiple teenagers on the bench, and also Adam Aznou was called upon.
Moyes has very limited options, so supporters may have no choice but to watch Rohl play again, but the majority will not want him to feature again until the end of the season.