Jake O’Brien impressed on his return to his natural position at centre-back in recent games.
O’Brien has played mostly as a right-back since David Moyes returned last January. However, due to several injuries along with Michael Keane’s suspension, O’Brien was deployed centrally along with James Tarkowski. He was fantastic in the 1-0 away win over Bournemouth – Everton’s first at the Vitality Stadium – and won the player of the match award.
The Irish international achieved similar success at the back end of last season when an injury to Tarkowski paved the way for him to slot in at centre-back. He helped the side achieve back-to-back wins and clean sheets – against Southampton and Newcastle United – to end the 2024/25 campaign.
“I was happy to be back in what I suppose I’d call my natural position,” he reflects. “Of course it was pleasing to get the player of the match as well but the biggest thing was winning and, for us as a defensive unit, the clean sheet.
“It felt good playing centrally. It’s more natural to me. Look, I’m 6ft 6in, so it makes sense doesn’t it?!
“But I’m happy to play a part wherever the manager needs me. There is a good feeling around the place at the moment. I think the club is changing and it’s all very positive.
“We’ve added players who have come in and really made an impact and we just want to keep pushing ourselves right up the table.
“There are plenty of games to go and with the league table so tight, we know there’s an opportunity there for us to go and be right amongst the top teams.”
Speaking about adapting to the role of a right-back over the last year, O’Brien remarked, “It’s very different now from where I was 12 months ago.
“As long as you’re playing and for me, even if that’s at right-back, then you’re still going to get up to speed with it and keep improving because you’re out on the pitch.
“Of course, eventually I’d love to go back to play centre-back week-in, week-out, but as long as I’m playing, I’m going to be happy.”