Brentford’s Michael Kayode showed Everton template for summer right-back search
Brentford star Michael Kayode showed Everton exactly what they should be looking for in a right-back this summer.
David Moyes‘ side played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Brentford on Saturday, which saw them rescue a point in the dying embers thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Everton are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer, especially after they had a very quiet winter window that saw only Tyrique George arrive at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
One area that Moyes has been widely reported to be looking to improve at is the right-back position, with all of Jake O’Brien, Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman not looking like viable long-term starters for a variety of reasons.
So, Everton fans can expect this to be a priority in the summer transfer window, and Kayode just gave Hill Dickinson decision-makers the ideal performance to show them exactly the type of player they need there.
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How did Michael Kayode perform for Brentford vs Everton?
O’Brien didn’t play well for Everton against Brentford, as the 24-year-old Irish international continues with his highly inconsistent 2025-26 season.
He’s no doubt had his moments for the Toffees this season where he’s shown his potential, but he’s also not shown the reliability levels that will have Moyes confident he can trust him moving forward.
| O’Brien vs Brentford | Result |
| Tackles (won) | 1 (0) |
| Ground duels (won) | 3 (1) |
| Key passes | 0 |
| Crosses (accurate) | 1 (0) |
| Possession lost | 10 |
As per Sofascore, O’Brien gave the ball away eight times, made only one cross attempt that was inaccurate, played zero key passes, made one dribble attempt that was unsuccessful and won just one of his three ground duels respectively.
Operating at right-back for Brentford was Kayode, who first joined the Bees on an initial loan deal from Fiorentina in January 2025, before turning his move permanent last summer.
The 21-year-old Italian youth international has been superb for them this season, starting all 31 of his Premier League appearances this term.
An exciting and attack-minded full-back, Kayode grabbed the assist for Brentford’s second goal against Everton, but he also displayed his quality in the defensive side of his game too.
As per Sofascore, the fearless full-back won five of his 11 ground duels, won one of his two tackle attempts, made three recoveries, two interceptions and one clearance off the line against the Toffees.
He also played one key pass, took 80 touches of the ball, had six dribble attempts with three being successful, took one shot and carried the ball 18 times.
In short, he was absolutely everywhere for Brentford up and down their right flank all afternoon long, providing energy levels and quality at both ends that Everton simply don’t have in that department.
Everton can address goals issue with adventurous right-back
O’Brien isn’t an attacking full-back, with ball carrying, dribbling, crossing and playmaking ability all not being where his strengths particularly lie.
So, whilst of course not being all his fault, this lack of adventure and creativity from their full-backs in attacking areas is a big reason why Everton have scored just 39 goals this season.
That’s fewer than the likes of Tottenham and West Ham who have both scored 40 each, and Moyes must’ve watched that Brentford game thinking, ‘how I’d love a Kayode in my team’.
Therefore, whilst the Italian won’t be available to him this summer, Moyes and Everton at least now have been provided with a clear template of the type of full-back this Toffees team so desperately needs.
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