David Moyes must end failed Everton experiment as transfer priority becomes clear after Brentford
Everton’s 4-2 defeat at the hands of Brentford exposed multiple issues that David Moyes must resolve in the January transfer window.
Moyes made two changes from Everton’s 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, including a return for Jack Grealish and Michael Keane into the starting lineup.
Many supporters questioned the manager’s decision to change a winning side, although it was Moyes’ half-time substitutions that ultimately cost Everton against Brentford.
When Tyler Dibling and Dwight McNeil went off for Beto and Merlin Rohl at the break, the hosts lost their balance on the right flank and were ultimately punished with an extra forward on the pitch, even if Beto did impress against Brentford.
David Moyes must end Jake O’Brien experiment
Jake O’Brien was brilliant alongside James Tarkowski in central defence against Forest, but the Republic of Ireland international returned to right-back in place of Nathan Patterson, with Michael Keane coming back into the side.
Moyes has been forced into using O’Brien as a right-back in the absence of veteran Seamus Coleman, while Patterson isn’t seen as a solution to the lack of options at the club.
To no fault of his own, O’Brien struggled on the right side of defence against Brentford, both defensively and in attack.
The 24-year-old was tormented by Kevin Schade in transition and isolated Dibling by offering him no support.
| Jake O’Brien’s stats vs Brentford |
| 31/42 (74%) pass completion |
| 1 successful dribble |
| 16x possession lost |
| 7 defensive contributions |
| 9 recoveries |
| 5 duels won |
O’Brien lost possession a whopping 16 times, while completing just one successful dribble and misplacing 11 of his passes.
Indeed, the Irishman’s performance only reinforced why Everton are looking to sign a right-back this month, and it should become their priority after Sunday’s horror show.
Who Everton are looking to sign at right back
For years, Everton have lacked a consistent presence on the right side of defence, and with Coleman potentially retiring upon the expiry of his contract, a long-term replacement is needed.
As it stands, Everton are in the race for Botafogo’s Vitinho, who has been valued at around £13million by the Brazilian giants.
The former Burnley defender doesn’t want to leave Brazil before the 2026 World Cup, though, and that could prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations.
Everton have also been long-term admirers of Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla after attempting to sign him in the summer, and he would be a clear upgrade on O’Brien.
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