Irish media reacts to Jake O’Brien after ‘tasty’ scenes away from Everton
Jake O’Brien has emerged as a solid right-back for Everton in recent months.
O’Brien struggled for game time under Sean Dyche, but David Moyes has used him to solve his right-back dilemma at Everton.
The Everton star is naturally a centre-back, but he has proved to be a brilliant option for the Scotsman as Seamus Coleman has struggled for fitness.
He will be extremely important for Moyes this season, after the failure to sign a right-back in the transfer window.
Jake O’Brien shines in Ireland draw
O’Brien continued his impressive form away from Everton, as the Boys in Green fought back to secure a 2-2 draw with Hungary.
The result leaves Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side third in their World Cup qualifying group after the first match of the campaign.
O’Brien featured in a similar role to the one that he is currently utilised in on Merseyside, and he was one of his nation’s best players, leaving the media raving.
RTE gave O’Brien a rating of 6.5 out of 10, saying: “A strong foray down the right in the 10th minute showed what he can do on the front foot, though the cross was a bit too strong for the onrushing Finn Azaz.
“Perhaps guilty of not closing some wide crosses down, particularly from Kerkez. Enjoyed much more time in the opposition half after the break with a couple of cracking first-time deliveries from out wide.”
The Blues ace was handed a 6/10 rating by the Irish Mirror, who said: “Pushed forward more in the second-half and became an attacking threat, delivering some tasty crosses into the Hungary box.”
He was handed a rating of seven out of 10 by Balls.ie, who said: “Jake O’Brien was the only member of the Irish back four to perform well in the first half, looking like a threat down the right flank when Ireland had the ball.
“The Everton player caused issues for the opposition with his long throws and looks like becoming a key player for Ireland in this campaign.”
However, The 42 were less impressed, giving him a five out of 10 rating, saying: “Had one or two decent moments in attack, such as the cross for Finn Azaz’s half chance in the first half, but you still feel like at times he looks like a centre-half playing right-back.”
| Stats | O’Brien |
| Chances created | 3 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Aerial duels won | 2/5 (40%) |
O’Brien will be crucial for Everton this season
Given the struggles in signing a natural right-back, Moyes will have to rely on O’Brien to perform this season.
- O’Brien was signed for £16.4million from Lyon in 2024
- Made 20 appearances for the Blues last season, with most coming under Moyes
- He has eight caps for the Ireland national team
He has adapted to the role well, although he is still far from a natural in the position, as he lacks the natural attacking instincts of a typical full-back.
Playing in an unorthodox position could help him develop into a better player, but he will want to move back to his traditional role, sooner rather than later, and he is not the answer long term.
The Toffees need an upgrade in the market eventually, but O’Brien will have to do for the foreseeable future.
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