Everton completed a deadline-day deal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon for around £4.3 million, leading many to assume David Moyes had finally secured the right-back he had been searching for throughout the summer.
However, Sunday’s clash with Manchester United suggested the situation may be more complicated than first thought.
Moyes is willing to persevere with Röhl
According to The Guardian, Everton view Merlin Röhl as a potential long-term option at right-back. Moyes appeared to reinforce that belief by handing Röhl a start against Manchester United, even though Maitland-Niles was already available.
It was certainly not an easy afternoon for the German. Röhl struggled at times, with Marcus Rashford finding joy against him and Luke Shaw also enjoying opportunities down United’s left flank.
Considering Röhl is still adapting to a new position, some of those difficulties were understandable. There were encouraging moments as well, particularly when he produced an outstanding first-half cross that Thierno Barry really should have turned into a goal.
Maitland-Niles brings a different dimension
Maitland-Niles appears to be the more natural choice at right-back given his extensive experience in the position. However, the versatile 27-year-old has long preferred playing in midfield, and his Everton debut offered a glimpse of what he can provide outside the defensive role.
In the 96th minute, the ball dropped to Maitland-Niles in a central position roughly 30 yards from goal. Rather than simply recycling possession, he unleashed a superb effort that flew into the top corner.
That moment may indicate that Moyes did not simply sign the specialist right-back Everton had been pursuing all summer. Instead, he may have brought in a versatile player capable of filling in at right-back while also giving the manager another option in midfield.
For Röhl, meanwhile, the message appears to be that his development at right-back will continue. His performance against Manchester United highlighted areas that still need work, but Moyes clearly believes there is enough potential to keep giving him opportunities.