Everton are clear in their mission for the January transfer window, with clear areas for improvement identified.
Although David Moyes is experiencing a real lack of depth across the pitch there will be some specific players more concerned than others about their spot in the side.
Moyes was pleased with Everton’s transfer business over the summer after seeing some real quality players added to his squad.
However, things have quickly unravelled in recent days after some worrying injury blows to the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish.
Everton were unable to address all of their transfer needs over the summer, which has placed great importance on Moyes being backed next month.
With some of Everton’s weaknesses being there for all to see, there is one player who is looking to improve his game in a bid not to lose his spot in the starting XI.
Jake O’Brien looking to improve amid Everton’s January plans
Everton News understands that Everton will look to sign a full-back in January, with Jake O’Brien once again filling in at right-back.
The Ireland international has become a real utility man for Moyes since the Scot arrived back on Merseyside in January.
In an interview for the Everton programme, O’Brien has shared just how he’s been working behind-the-scenes to improve his game.
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“At the start it was more about learning exactly where to be on the pitch because it is different to centre-back.
“Then, with Nick [Davies], who has come in, I’ve been doing work on my footwork and having fast feet.
“A lot of that we do in training anyway but then, when we don’t have midweek games, we’ll do our one-to-one sessions as well and that’s been a focus for me.
“Everyone knows my size and I’m coming up against small, tricky wingers, so having fast feet is important, then putting everything together and lots of one-v-one stuff in those scenarios you get in a match.”
O’Brien did not impress Moyes during the loss to Chelsea, with the giant defender looking completely out of place on the right side.
Of course, it has to be remembered that he’s playing out of position, but his spot will certainly be at risk when the January window opens.
Everton need to sign a natural right-back
In recent days, it has been suggested that Everton are eyeing Vitinho from the Brazilian side Botafogo ahead of the window opening.
O’Brien has done more than enough to fill in at right-back, but the Irishman’s limitations are there for all to see.
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Having played at right-back for most of his time on Merseyside, O’Brien has made it clear he would like to return to centre-back eventually.
With Jarrad Branthwaite still out through his own injury issue, a January addition at right-back could see the 23-year-old slot back in centrally.
One thing that cannot be questioned is O’Brien’s attitude.
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