Credit: Imago
Tue 12 May 2026 8:19, UK
Jake O’Brien has rarely played in his natural centre-back position at Everton, but when he has, the Toffees look harder to beat.
Signed as a central defender from Olympique Lyon, the Irishman has made most of his appearances on Merseyside as a fullback.
The 24-year-old has valiantly filled in at that role, but with him not being a natural wide defender, he lacks quite a few crucial qualities expected of a right-back.
It has often led to Everton failing to capitalise in games where they could have picked up more points.
However, ahead of Everton’s campaign next season, David Moyes may have plenty to think about when it comes to moving O’Brien back inside.
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How has Jake O’Brien performed at centre-back this season?
Due to Moyes having little trust in Nathan Patterson, O’Brien has been forced into playing at right-back. The Irish international would perhaps prefer to be in his more familiar central defence position but has
Now, Opta Data Editor Aaron Barton has shared stats of O’Brien at centre-back this season, making a strong case for the Irishman.
PositionGamesGoalsAssistsRight-Back4431Centre-Back10––Jake O’Brien position history under David Moyes
During his seven games at centre-back this season, the Irishman has maintained a 55 per cent win rate, which is much higher than the Toffees’ most used partnership of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane (26 per cent).
He also keeps the same percentage for clean sheets per game at 55 per cent.
Additionally, O’Brien concedes just 0.66 goals per game when deployed in the middle of the backline. Everton’s seasonal total is currently 1.3.
Admittedly, it is a small sample size, but the results from the matches in which he has featured in central defence should surely have meant more minutes in that role.
Credit: Breaking MediaDavid Moyes must make Jake O’Brien change next season
Everton will have the chance to shuffle their squad in the summer window, and signing a right-back to allow O’Brien to shift back into the middle must be a priority.
Yes, the sample size is small, but the impact in just those seven games has quite the difference to the Toffees’ overall campaign.
From next season, Moyes should look to utilise the 6’6″ defender in his natural role, at least for a longer stretch of games.
If, over a larger sample, it does not ultimately work out, then the Scotsman could revert to using him at right-back. Everton’s interest in Tristan Crama would also help in making this change.
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