Alan Stubbs shares behind-scenes Dyche conversation with ‘Fantastic’ Everton ace
Alan Stubbs has shared what he has heard about a behind-the-scenes conversation that Sean Dyche had with Jake O’Brien at Everton.
O’Brien has been a regular starter for Everton since David Moyes took the reins at Goodison Park in January, featuring in each of their 13 Premier League games under Scot.
However, that was not the case when Dyche was in charge, as the £16.4million signing from Lyon was restricted to just 34 minutes of league action in the first half of the season.
It is safe to say that O’Brien has had a new lease of life following Moyes’s arrival despite being forced to play out of position at right-back.
Stubbs wowed by O’Brien at Everton
O’Brien has got the Everton fans on his side with his performances in recent months, and it is no different with Stubbs.
The former defender has been blown away by the Ireland international’s contributions, describing his performances as ‘fantastic’.
| Matches | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets | Yellow Cards |
| 15 | 12 | 1119′ | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
He pointed out how the 23-year-old has excelled against some of the best attackers in the Premier League despite not looking like a traditional full-back.
Stubbs also claimed that Dyche simply did not ‘fancy’ O’Brien, having heard details about the conversation the defender had with the manager before he left Everton.
“He [O’Brien] has been fantastic, he really has”, Stubbs said on talkSPORT (19 April, 8:40 am).
“He’s 6’4”, he’s mobile, you’re thinking he doesn’t necessarily look like a right-back.
“He’s come up against arguably some of the best left wingers in the league, and he’s done really well against them.
“He’s taken his opportunity. We have all thought at times, ‘Why is this lad not being given an opportunity?’
“I think it’s fair to say that from what you’re hearing of Jake O’Brien recently, you know, I think in terms of his conversation with Sean Dyche, is that he probably didn’t really fancy him.
“Since David [Moyes] has come in, he has given him an opportunity, and he has been probably right up there with one of Everton’s brightest sparks since he’s come in.
“He has been very impressive, I must admit.”
O’Brien has bright future under Moyes
Everton feared relegation under Dyche at the start of the year, but now find themselves sitting 13th in the Premier League above Manchester United and Tottenham.
With only six matches left to play, the Toffees have all but confirmed their place in the Premier League next season.
There is no doubt that O’Brien will continue to be a key part of Moyes’s squad next season.
However, it remains to be seen if he will continue at right-back or switch to his preferred position as a centre-back.
James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite have established as Everton’s first-choice centre-backs, but O’Brien will be determined to change that.