Jake O’Brien has endured a really inconsistent season for Everton.
During Everton’s 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Tuesday evening, Jake O’Brien was shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Who was Everton’s biggest let down in that defeat to Bournemouth? 😤
There were a number of really poor displays out there! ❌
Jake O'Brien is sent off against Bournemouth.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
O’Brien had a really tough time at right-back, and that’s been quite a common theme for the Republic of Ireland international this term.
The 24-year-old is a centre-back by trade, and there is one statistic that absolutely proves that notion.
David Moyes must take note.
Everton must use Jake O’Brien as a centre-back from now on
Everton were desperate to sign a right-back during the winter transfer window, but they failed to get one through the door.
Evidently, Moyes was keen to upgrade on O’Brien at right-back, as he’s hardly providing any attacking threat whatsoever.
Now, O’Brien is even struggling with his defensive duties, with his lack of pace and agility proving a problem against some of the Premier League’s tricky wingers.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
What is going so wrong at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for Everton? 😳
It is now less than one win in every three following the loss against Bournemouth… 😤
A general exterior view of Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Everton and Bournemouth.
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA.
It turns out that with O’Brien at right-back, Everton concede a goal every 62 minutes, at CB, they concede a goal every 183 minutes.
So, that just amplifies that Moyes must stop playing him at right-back from now on, as the statistics show that he’s so much better centrally.
David Moyes should place his trust in Nathan Patterson
Nathan Patterson is set to play the next three Everton games as O’Brien serves his three-match suspension.
It should stay that way even when O’Brien is back, as the former Rangers full-back just offers so much more going forward.
Patterson really impressed in his last few appearances when Moyes was forced to play him due to injuries.
How would you feel about Wayne Rooney joining Moyes’ staff at Everton? 🤔
Everton icon Wayne Rooney.
Despite that, the Toffees boss didn’t give him too much praise in his press conferences: “He’s done okay. We’ve been actively looking for a right-back for over a year, but I think when Patto has come in he hasn’t let us down.”
Clearly, Moyes doesn’t really fancy him, but that stubbornness must end now – O’Brien is quite clearly a worse option.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox