Jake O'Brien
(Credit: Imago)
Carla Devine
Mon 24 March 2025 8:50, UK
Everton star Jake O’Brien played the full 90 minutes for the Republic of Ireland as they beat Bulgaria 2-1 on Sunday.
The Everton defender’s international side retained their place in League B of the Nations League on 23 March, with goals from Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah securing the victory.
The Republic of Ireland dominated in Dublin, meaning there was less defensive work to be done, but it was at the other end of the field where O’Brien caught the eye.
Jake O’Brien has improved significantly for Everton. (Credit: Imago)
O’Brien was solid presence on international duty
It has been a slow season for O’Brien, who struggled to get minutes under his belt while Sean Dyche was manager at Everton.
However, under David Moyes, the 23-year-old has become a regular part of the Toffees team, now starting every game under the new manager.
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O’Brien was given his first competitive start at international level on Sunday and put in a solid display, earning him plaudits from the Irish media.
Although his usual work is in front of his own goal, the Irish Independent said O’Brien was “causing havoc in the Bulgarian box all evening”, noting that he won several headers at the top end of the pitch.
Both the Irish Mirror and Extra rated the performance of the defender as a 7/10, with the latter labelling him as a “solid presence.”
Everton manager David Moyes has been monumental in Jake O’Brien’s turnaround. (Credit: Imago)
O’Brien is like a new player at Everton
The young defender has made no secret of his struggles playing under Dyche at Goodison Park, and for much of the season, it didn’t look like the future was bright for O’Brien.
However, since Moyes has returned to Merseyside, the defender looks much more assured of himself, having scored a 91st-minute equaliser for Everton against West Ham ahead of the international break.
In a matter of months, the future is looking much brighter for O’Brien at Everton as he will now feel secure in his position going into the summer transfer window.
Manager Appearances Goals
Sean Dyche 2 0
David Moyes 10 2
Jake O’Brien under Sean Dyche and David Moyes.
After the tough luck he has had to face throughout the season so far, the 23-year-old will know he can’t afford to get too comfortable, but it certainly seems as though the pressure has been taken off of late.
It is set to be a big transfer window for the Toffees with the Friedkin Group ready to oversee a transformation both on and off the pitch.
With Everton also making the move to Bramley-Moore Dock at the end of the campaign, there is plenty to get excited about on Merseyside this summer.
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