Everton, Danny Murphy, David Moyes, Jake O'Brien
(Credit:BBC MOTD/Everton Football Club on YouTube)
Declan Carr
Sun 16 March 2025 11:10, UK
Jake O’Brien has revived his Everton career since David Moyes returned to the dugout.
The 23-year-old featured just twice in the Premier League under Sean Dyche as he struggled to earn the former Burnley manager’s trust.
However, Moyes has started the Republic of Ireland international as a makeshift right-back in the Blues’ last nine Premier League games, which has coincided with a nine-match unbeaten run.
O’Brien has popped up with crucial goals for Everton in that run and his strike against West Ham may be the most important moment of his Toffees career.
Jake O'Brien
O’Brien has endured a tough time since moving to Goodison. (Credit: Imago)
Moyes key to O’Brien revival at Everton
Moyes has been a pivotal factor in O’Brien’s revival for the Blues but Danny Murphy believes that the player deserves credit for earning his place in the side.
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It has paid off with two goals in his last three games, the latest being a crucial late leveller against the Hammers.
Speaking on Match of the Day (15 March, 23:36), he said: “He was out in the wilderness a little bit under Sean Dyche, and maybe thought ‘where is my Everton career going?’.
“Since he has got in the team, he has been terrific. He’s playing out of position at right-back, in that back four and he’s made the position his own.”
Moyes’ decision has been justified. (Credit: Imago)
Everton have long-term right-back solution
The Republic of Ireland ace looks to be a natural on the flanks, with his 6’6 frame an imposing one for opposition attackers when they are going towards Jordan Pickford‘s goal.
It is also a concern for defenders when he finds himself in the box as his goals against Brentford and the Irons show.
Despite his impressive showings, the young defender was only afforded two league appearances for a total of 34 minutes under Dyche, despite moving to Merseyside for £16million from French outfit Lyon.
Stats (Premier League) Dyche Moyes
Matches 2 10
Starts 0 9
Minutes 34 815
O’Brien stats in Premier League
It is hard to fathom the reasons that Dyche did not make the switch, given that Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman are aging and Nathan Patterson has had injury issues and did not earn his trust once he was fit.
The long-term job at right-back seems like it is his to lose under Moyes as the Blues make the move to Bramley-Moore Dock, with Young and Coleman out of contract in the summer and Patterson failing to impress the Scotsman since his return.
The Toffees will be looking to maintain their sensational run ahead of the new era and keeping O’Brien in a starting role will only help that ambition.
Given his impressive displays recently, there is hope that he can build on that and become a regular star for years to come.
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