Jake O’Brien sends clear message to David Moyes after what he managed away from Everton
Everton defender Jake O’Brien kept a clean sheet against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Thursday.
Republic of Ireland beat Portugal 2-0 in the World Cup qualifiers, as Seamus Coleman was hailed for his performance.
The Everton duo were up against it when they faced the likes of Ronaldo, Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva.
O’Brien has drawn mixed reactions for his Everton displays this season, and David Moyes has made decisions that the Irishman may not have liked.
However, the Irish media love O’Brien, and were full of praise after his performance against Portugal.
Jake O’Brien was colossal vs Portugal as Irish media delighted
Ireland set up with a five at the back formation, with Coleman playing right-wing back and O’Brien on the right of three centre-backs.
The position may be something that Moyes keeps in mind after the defenders performance against world-class attackers.
- O’Brien won 100% of his aerial duels
- He was not dribbled past once
- O’Brien made eight clearances
After giving a glowing review of Everton teammate Coleman, O’Brien was the next Everton star to receive praise from the Irish media, as his performance was hailed as “stellar”.
The Irish Times said: “Played a stellar part in the rearguard effort, keeping Ireland’s shape at the back and heading countless balls clear. Never caught out of position, left no space in behind,” and gave him an 8/10 rating.
O’Brien then received an incredible 9/10 rating as The 42 said: “It was only his 12th cap, but he looked like he’d been playing there for years.“
Sports Joe also gave O’Brien a deserved rating of 7.5/10.
Moyes will have another big decision to make once O’Brien returns to Finch Farm.
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David Moyes needs to play O’Brien over James Garner
O’Brien still has one crucial game left to play for his country, which comes against Hungary on Sunday.
The versatile defender will then return to Merseyside after his international duties are finished, and will be hoping to start in Everton’s first game back against Manchester United.
O’Brien was dropped by Moyes, who opted to start midfielder James Garner at right-back during Everton’s 2-0 win against Fulham.
Moyes has been sent a clear message that O’Brien’s quality hasn’t faded and could be needed at Old Trafford.
Everton should play in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, but play Garner in midfield with O’Brien in right-back, as Moyes would give the Blues a good chance of winning by doing so.
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