Jake O’Brien shares how he really feels about being played out of position at Everton

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Jake O’Brien was barely given a sniff under Sean Dyche.

Despite spending £17m on Jake O’Brien’s signature last summer, Dyche handed him just 34 minutes of Premier League football.

When David Moyes replaced the former Burnley manager, O’Brien finally got his chance, but perhaps not in the way he’d have imagined it.

The Republic of Ireland international made his first league start against Tottenham Hotspur at right-back, and since then, he’s not looked back.

O’Brien, who is a centre-back by trade, has made that right-back role his own and is keeping the likes of Nathan Patterson, Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young out of the team.

There’s been some speculation around O’Brien moving back to his favoured position and with that said, he’s just shared how he really feels about his new role.

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Jake O’Brien enjoying his new role at Everton

O’Brien isn’t the typical modern-day right-back.

The former Lyon defender stands at 6ft 6, so most would assume he’d be exposed out on the flank due to his frame.

However, O’Brien has flourished in that role and has been able to use his stature to power forward with the ball, even adding goals to his game.

Kevin De Bruyne was so impressed by O’Brien on the weekend and speaking after the City game, the Everton defender has revealed that he’s really enjoying the right-back position.

“I’m enjoying it,” the 23-year-old explained.

“It’s a new role, but I think I’m learning every game. I have good lads around me to help me as well. I’m coming up against good players every week and it’s a learning experience, but I’ll continue to do so and help the team.”

Moyes sees O’Brien’s future at centre-back

Whilst O’Brien has done exceptionally well at right-back, it’s understood Moyes sees his medium to long-term future at centre-back.

“The club will look at both full-back positions this summer, but I’m not sure it impacts (Jake) O’Brien that much,” Athletic journalist Patrick Boyland said.

“Moyes has said O’Brien’s medium and long-term future is in the centre of defence, the position he has played in throughout his career.”

With Jarrad Branthwaite heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, O’Brien could be moved back into the heart of defence, should indeed his teammate leave Goodison Park.

Anyhow, O’Brien’s versatility certainly adds value to Moyes’ squad going forward.