David Moyes already has new Everton January transfer priority after what he says
David Moyes certainly won’t be happy with The Friedkin Group about the lack of squad depth at Everton.
While Jack Grealish did move on loan to the Hill Dickinson Stadium from Manchester City in what was arguably a sensational transfer, there are still some evident holes at the Toffees.
Moyes has had to rely on James Garner at full-back on a few occasions this season, and the former Manchester United ace has become a key player for the Blues.
While fans might argue a new centre-forward should be targeted by the Merseyside outfit in January after Thierno Barry and Beto’s struggles, the Scottish manager may have a different idea.
Everton to sign new right-back as David Moyes makes Jake O’Brien admission
Jake O’Brien is currently arguably the best option at Moyes’ disposal at right-back, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that the Republic of Ireland international is a natural central defender.
Even the Scottish manager recognises he’s playing the 24-year-old out of position, which may hint at a defensive reinforcement being a priority at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the coming weeks.
With Seamus Coleman’s fitness issues coming back to haunt him and Nathan Patterson clearly not trusted, it would make sense for the Blues to think about bolstering that specific area of the pitch.
Speaking in his pre-Nottingham Forest press conference, the 62-year-old head coach said: “He is a centre-back, and he’s playing out of position.”
O’Brien was defensively sound once again against Forest in the Premier League on 6 December as the Merseyside outfit won 3-0.
While the Irishman brings solidity to the backline, the Toffees undoubtedly lack a cutting edge in the final third from the right-back position.
Jake O’Brien dilemma on cards once right-back is signed
James Tarkowski has been imperious for Moyes in the last few months, and it would be surprising to see him drop out of the starting lineup.
Michael Keane has also stepped up his game massively at Everton this season in the absence of Jarrad Branthwaite, who will soon return from injury.
The Scottish manager has plenty of quality options in defence, and if a new right-back is signed, O’Brien will definitely have to fight for his place in his natural position.
Considering the form Keane and Tarkowski have been in, the former Olympique Lyon defender will certainly have a mountain to climb to displace them from the starting lineup.
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