David Moyes Confirms Everton's Need for a Right-Back

David Moyes insists Everton still want a right-back – even as he leans on makeshift solutions and early-season form to plug the gap.

The Everton manager has spent the week namechecking alternatives already in his squad, highlighting Nathan Patterson, Merlin Rohl, James Garner and Jake O’Brien as players who could cover the role if the club fail to land a specialist before the transfer window closes.

He knows that is not a long-term answer.

“We definitely would like a right-back. We would,” Moyes said, underlining the priority. The issue is not simply about filling a shirt. It is about what he loses elsewhere every time he shuffles the pack.

“For example today, while we're playing Merlin right back, I couldn't play him in midfield as well. So, today keeps me short of numbers in midfield, and I'm having to balance a little bit of what we want.”

That balancing act was on show in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, where Rohl started on the right of defence and impressed again after a strong pre-season. His energy and adaptability have given Moyes a genuine dilemma – but not enough to cool the search for reinforcements.

Rohl has embraced the challenge. Moyes sees that and likes it.

“He is keen to do well and show us that he could be a right-back, Merlin. And because of that, we're happy,” the Scot said. “He can play other roles for us, which means that we can play him further forward, we can play them in different ways.

“He's got a different sort of level of athleticism to some of the other boys in some ways. And he's a good footballer, generally, and he can score if we get him closer to the goal. But he's also doing okay.”

The same goes for Jake O’Brien, another centre-back being asked to think like a full-back when required. Moyes trusts him in one-v-one duels, even if it is not his natural home.

“Look, we can still play Jake O’Brien at right-back. He's proved, certainly against a lot of the quick boys, that he's really good and he'll give us something if we need it in that position. But he prefers to be a centre back.”

That is the crux of it. Everton can cope. They cannot yet relax.

“Everybody's talking about a right-back, so I'm saying, well, I hope it's better than Jake O’Brien, I hope it's better than Merlin Rohl and what they're offering,” Moyes added. “And obviously, we're always trying to get better than what we've got - in every position to be truthful. You're always, as a manager, you're trying and it's not that easy to just go and get yourself better than those two.”

Rohl’s pre-season displays have earned him trust and minutes, not just praise.

“Merlin in pre-season played really well. He certainly deserves the chance to play.”

For now, Everton’s right flank is being held together by versatility and attitude. Moyes wants something more permanent. The question is whether the market will give it to him before the window slams shut.