Everton star Jake O’Brien says David Moyes asks him to do something which he finds really ‘weird’

Everton Star Jake O’Brien Says David Moyes Asks Him To Do Something Which He Finds Really ‘Weird’
Everton’s towering defender, Jake O’Brien, has quickly become a key figure at Goodison Park since David Moyes’ return to the dugout. The Irish international, who joined the Toffees from Lyon for a significant fee, has seen a dramatic turnaround in his playing time and influence under the Scottish manager. While O’Brien has expressed immense gratitude for the faith Moyes has placed in him, he recently revealed a peculiar aspect of his new role that he initially found, in his own words, “really weird.”
O’Brien, naturally a central defender, has been deployed by Moyes primarily as a right-back. This tactical decision has raised a few eyebrows, not least the player’s own. Standing at a formidable 6 foot 6 inches, O’Brien’s stature is more typically associated with the heart of defence, dominating aerial duels and marshaling the backline. To be asked to operate in a wide, often more dynamic and attack-minded, full-back position is an unconventional move for a player of his build.
“It’s a different role that I haven’t really played before,” O’Brien admitted in a recent interview. “David Moyes has been excellent since he came in and explained it really well for me. But I suppose I’m not a natural right-back, and it can be funny looking at my stature and the role I’ve been asked to play. It was really weird at first, I’m not going to lie.”
This candid admission highlights the significant shift in O’Brien’s responsibilities under Moyes. Under the previous manager, Sean Dyche, O’Brien found opportunities hard to come by, making only a handful of substitute appearances in the Premier League. His £16.43 million transfer from Lyon seemed to be yielding little return, and questions began to surface about his suitability for the English top flight.
However, Moyes, upon his re-appointment, quickly identified O’Brien as a player he could build around. The Scot, known for his ability to nurture talent and get the best out of his defenders, saw something in O’Brien beyond his traditional centre-back attributes. He recognized the young Irishman’s impressive speed, his comfort on the ball, and his defensive intelligence, believing these qualities could be harnessed in a wider position, even if it meant a departure from the norm.
“I’m pleased for big Jake,” Moyes stated, acknowledging the unconventional nature of the role. “He’s coming on, improving. He’s a young centre-back making his way as a false right-back in some ways, but he’s doing a good job and I’m pleased he got the goal [against West Ham]. He’s capable of it and it was an important goal for us.”
The manager’s explanation sheds light on the reasoning behind this “weird” deployment. Moyes isn’t attempting to convert O’Brien into a traditional marauding full-back. Instead, he’s leveraging O’Brien’s defensive strengths and his ability to contribute in transitional play from a slightly wider starting position. In certain phases of play, O’Brien might tuck in to form a back three, or push higher to support the attack, adding a layer of tactical flexibility to Everton’s setup. This “false right-back” role, as Moyes termed it, allows O’Brien to utilize his defensive prowess while still providing an outlet on the right flank.
For O’Brien, adapting to this new remit has been a learning curve. He acknowledged that “the more I play, the more I’ll grow into it. I think that’s football in general. You adapt to new positions and the way the team play.” The results, however, speak for themselves. Since Moyes’ return, O’Brien has been an ever-present figure in the Everton starting XI, contributing to a significant upturn in the team’s fortunes. His performances have been assured and impressive, culminating in crucial goals, including a late equalizer against West Ham United that showcased his attacking capabilities despite his defensive role.
This transformation under Moyes highlights a crucial aspect of modern football management: the ability to identify and exploit a player’s untapped potential, even if it means thinking outside the box. While the request to play as a “false right-back” initially struck Jake O’Brien as “weird,” it has proven to be a masterstroke by David Moyes, allowing the talented defender to flourish and become an integral part of Everton’s resurgence. It’s a testament to both Moyes’ tactical acumen and O’Brien’s willingness to adapt and embrace the challenge, proving that sometimes, the most unconventional approaches can yield the most surprising and positive outcomes.