Everton were forced into a bit of a makeshift change against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening – but their thrown-together side passed with flying colours in a 1-0 win.
David Moyes’ side had lost 4-1 to Newcastle United on Saturday in a dismal showing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and with more injuries and suspensions to deal with for their trip down south, Everton fans weren’t expecting much against Bournemouth.
However, a sturdy 1-0 win via a late Jack Grealish effort saw them return from the south coast with three points for the first time in their Premier League history.
And the performance of Jake O’Brien at centre-back gave a glimpse of an insight into the future of the club’s defensive line.
Everton star Jake O’Brien was superb against Bournemouth and won the MOTM award
Jake O’Brien was made to play at centre-back for the first time this season, having been used in his unnatural right-back position throughout the campaign thanks to injury to Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson.
James Garner played at right-back and although the duo have fared well this season, nobody could have expected a clean sheet against a Cherries side who hadn’t lost at home all season.
O’Brien even picked up the Man of the Match award for his committed performance, keeping Andoni Iraola’s men to a minimum – with the two shots on target conceded being Everton’s fewest amount of efforts on goal allowed on the road in the Premier League this season.
And, should the Toffees sign an attacking right-back, it could be their strongest defensive cohort for some time.
Everton signing a top left-back could see them set defensive records
However, O’Brien and James Tarkowski were imperious, and if Michael Keane does depart in the summer transfer window, it would leave a gap at centre-back.
With Jarrad Branthwaite being left-footed, David Moyes could opt to sign a backup star for the England starlet – which would give Everton real quality and depth in their backline.
However, O’Brien can also be formidable at right-back. Should Tarkowski and Branthwaite continue their partnership at centre-back once the latter returns from injury, as well as O’Brien locking down the flanks, it would give them security across the backline.
If you were David Moyes, which three players would you want to sign in January?
If Everton were to sign a left-back who is aerially dominant, it could hand them the chance to boast an imperious defensive four.
Arsenal have shown what having natural centre-backs who are adept out wide can do, with Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori combining to create the strongest defence in the country – and Moyes could have his own version, especially given Vitaliy Mykolenko is out of contract at the end of the season and may need upgrading.
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