Irish media reacts to Jake O’Brien after ‘nervy’ scenes away from Everton
Jake O’Brien had a dismal afternoon despite the Republic of Ireland’s 3-2 win over Hungary on Sunday.
Everton star O’Brien started the 2-0 win over Portugal, and he was named in the line-up for the comeback victory over Marco Rossi’s side on 16 November.
However, it did not go to plan for the Blues star as he was replaced at half-time, while Seamus Coleman survived until the 60th minute.
O’Brien and Ireland have qualified for the play-offs, where they will hope to join Jordan Pickford at the tournament.
Jake O’Brien display slammed in Ireland
O’Brien has been reliable for Everton this season, but he was not at his usual standard for his national team this time around.
The 24-year-old allowed big chances and could not convert when a chance fell his way at the other end, in a poor display.
SportsJoe.ie handed O’Brien a five out of 10, saying: “Jake O’Brien looked nervy at times in the first half, taking a couple of poor touches. He was also beaten too easily on a few occasions down that right flank.”
Balls.ie agreed with that rating, saying: “Wasn’t too much of a surprise to see him come off at half-time after an under-par opening 45. He lost Lukacs for the big chance that was saved by Kelleher, and missed a good chance at the far post at the other end on the brink of half-time. Manning replacing him for more pace down the left to shift Scales inwards made sense.”
Irish Examiner were slighty more generous, handing the Toffees star a six out of 10, saying: “Spurned a glorious chance to make it 2-2 on the cusp of half time but could not find the target. Defensively sound with the exception of one loose touch that he compensated for with a professional foul. Surprisingly substituted at the break.”
Everton’s right-back problem summed up by latest O’Brien scenes
O’Brien is used a makeshift right-back by David Moyes, but he was utilised in a back three for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side.
However, he struggled to impress, both defensively and offensively, which is something that Blues fans will be able to relate to.
- O’Brien was hardly used by Sean Dyche before he was sacked
- Moyes has given him a chance as a right-back, rather than at centre-back
- He has made 37 appearances for the Blues in total, with most in an unfamiliar position
When he features from the right for the Toffees, he lacks the attacking instincts of a natural right-back, which surely harms the Merseysiders.
He can also switch off defensively, which was evident in the 1-1 draw with West Ham as he was ripped apart by Crysencio Summerville, who is not exactly regarded as one of the best wingers in the Premier League.
The Blues need to enter the market for a new starting right-back, as O’Brien is not consistent enough to be a long-term option, as shown by his latest showing on the international stage.
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