Everton have enjoyed a solid start to the season - and Jake O'Brien has revealed that his side are targeting much more than just avoiding the drop
After a solid start to the campaign, the opening of Hill Dickinson Stadium and players like Jack Grealish joining, Everton's squad have set sights on Europe.
After a solid start to the campaign, the opening of Hill Dickinson Stadium and players like Jack Grealish joining, Everton's squad have set sights on Europe.
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Jake O'Brien has revealed his Everton side have set their sights on a European spot and opened up on the mentality shift under David Moyes. The Blues enjoyed an impressive run of results last season after the Scot returned to the club in January following Sean Dyche's departure.
Now after a solid start to the campaign, the opening of Hill Dickinson Stadium and players such as Jack Grealish joining, optimism is growing on the blue half of Merseyside. And O'Brien has revealed that no longer are his side just thinking about beating the drop, but instead they are targeting finishing in the European places.
He said: "We've set goals from the start of the season and I think it's been a positive start.
"There are always going to be a few bumps on the road and I think it's a work in progress, but we're heading in the right direction and everything feels good and positive.
"Now we want to keep pushing forward and keep climbing the table. We set goals and one of them is to get into Europe.
"We have the squad to do it and we're more than capable of doing it. It's just about being consistent throughout the season and it's very early on, but we're working hard in training and feeling positive."
On the impact Moyes has had since his return, the 24-year-old revealed: "I think there's been a change of mindset.
"The manager has come in and he's been excellent for us. We've brought in new players, who have also been excellent for us.
"Everyone is gelling together and there's a real good vibe around the place - when you have that and everyone is putting in 100%, it's obviously a good thing for the club.
"I think we've always been a close group and in the tougher times it has been as well - if someone kind of falls down, we pick each other up and go again.
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"I think it's the closest group I've ever experienced. There are real big characters in the team and around the club that will pick you up if you need it and also to just remind everyone of the standards we set ourselves."
O'Brien has once again found himself playing right-back this season, despite both Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman being available.
But the Republic of Ireland international, who also impressed at centre-back for Olympique Lyonnais ahead of his move to Merseyside, wouldn't change a thing.
He said: "I wouldn't change it - as long as I'm playing, then I'm happy. I think as long as you're playing, you're always going to improve and learn new things.
Jake O'Brien's preferred position is centre-back, but he admits as long as he is playing he is happy
Jake O'Brien's preferred position is centre-back, but he admits as long as he is playing he is happy
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"I think you can definitely take things from playing in a new position, especially right-back for someone who is used to playing centre-back.
"Sometimes they do go hand-in-hand with each other. I'm not the first to do it and I won't be the last to do it, either.
"I think, overall, there's still a lot more to come from me. I may have shown what I'm capable of in moments but I know there's still a lot more of me to show.
"I think it will come with experience and playing more games. I've only played 20-odd games for Everton, so there's a lot still to show - and plenty of time to do it."
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