Jake O’Brien has now been at Everton for 18 months but he continues to be surprised on Merseyside.
The Ireland international has finally overcome his early struggles under Sean Dyche having claimed the starting right-back spot under David Moyes.
Everton started the game against Brighton & Hove Albion with four centre-backs in defence.
Playing out of position has become the norm for O’Brien, but it only highlights just how light the Blues are in the full-back areas.
Some Everton fans have been really impressed with O’Brien under Moyes, despite playing out of position.
If you are David Moyes, who would be your starting right-back for the remainder of the season? 🤔
Everton need more in attack from their full-backs
A comparison of Jake O'Brien and Nathan Patterson's goal contributions for Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport/George Wood.
Closing in on two years at the club, O’Brien has now shared what really surprised him about the Everton supporters.
Everton v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
What shocked Jake O’Brien about the Everton supporters
Roy Keane has previously hailed Everton fans as being the best away supporters in the Premier League.
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The travelling Toffees always bring the atmosphere when they are on the road, which will be expected at the weekend against Fulham.
Speaking to the Everton website, O’Brien admitted he did not realise just how good the Everton support was when he joined.
What is the loudest you’ve EVER heard Everton fans at home? 🔊
You can pick between both Goodison Park and the Hill Dickinson!
Hill Dickinson Stadium decibel level after Iliman Ndiaye's goal vs Brighton & Hove Albion.
Credit: Getty Images/Clive Mason.
“I knew Everton have a huge fanbase and you get a sense of it watching on TV,” he said.
“You see the passion they have but it’s only when you get here and experience it that you feel just how deep that passion is and how good the supporters are here.
“It’s great to play in front of them because it means so much to them and they’re passionate about wanting the club to be better, which is something we all want.”
On top of the backing from the fans, O’Brien has formed a solid friendship with Jack Grealish behind-the-scenes.
After what was a turbulent opening few months on Merseyside, things have really come together for the Irish giant.
Everton experiencing some issues at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
The support on the road cannot be denied and Everton will still be undergoing an adjustment period as they transition into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Even Ian Wright said Everton aren’t used to their new stadium just yet.
The recent results at the state-of-the-art stadium have not been good enough and no one will deny that.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has urged Everton fans to improve the atmosphere at their new home following the recent draw against Leeds United.
It will get there, but the results on the pitch certainly go a long way towards the mood in the stands.
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