What Sean Dyche said in August doesn’t bode well for Jake O’Brien at Everton

Jake O’Brien joined Everton for around £17 million in the summer transfer window, but things haven’t panned out for him so far at Goodison Park.

Sean Dyche welcomed Jake O’Brien to Everton.

However, the likes of Michael Keane, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski have all been preferred.

Branthwaite only recently featured for the first time this season against Crystal Palace, but an injury in the build-up to the Newcastle clash saw him sidelined again.

This led to Dyche unleashing Tarkowski and Keane together again, and it worked out for the latter as he was praised by Everton fans for his performance.

However, comments made by Sean Dyche in August make Jake O’Brien’s chances look even bleaker.

Sean Dyche, Manager of Everton, checks his watch during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Crystal Palace FC at Goodison Park on Septe... — Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Everton insiders have been left baffled by Sean Dyche’s treatment of Jake O’Brien.

Many Everton fans also called for O’Brien to come in for the injured Branthwaite against Newcastle, but for some reason Dyche just doesn’t trust him yet.

Interestingly, the comments Dyche made back in August (as per Sun) about O’Brien getting his opportunity don’t bode well for the defender, now we know how little he’s been used since then.

“The reason why he didn’t start is because Michael Keane had a very strong pre-season.

“He’s been very unfortunate to get injured at Preston but he’s had a very strong pre-season and he’s a very experienced Premier League player.

“Jake hasn’t got that experience but we think he’s a very good player and I think he’ll learn quickly.

“He’s come and been very open-minded about the nuts and bolts and how quick the game is.

“He’s a very good player and we think he’ll develop into it.”

What is the obsession with Michael Keane?

Michael Keane was slammed for his performance against Bournemouth and has looked nervy in other games for Everton this season.

Despite this, Dyche continued with him for every game since, apart from the Crystal Palace clash.

So, contrary to his summer comments, some bad form from Keane still didn’t push him to give O’Brien a start.

Of course, experience is always good in key games, but it’s time to try something different if a player isn’t performing well.

O’Brien has just 26 minutes of Premier League action to his name thus far, which when you consider the issues Keane had during the torrid run and Branthwaite’s injury, is rather telling.

James Tarkowski has already spoken about how impressed he is with O’Brien and realises his huge potential, which makes it even more confusing.