Everton’s defensive options are being stretched to the limit as the club enters the New Year with numerous injury issues.
David Moyes will have a clear vision of what he wants from the January transfer window following an impressive start to the season.
The sky is the limit for Everton under the ownership of The Friedkin Group, with the Americans backing the club financially.
Everton News columnist Alan Myers is hoping Everton make three signings in January at the very least.
Given the injury issues at Finch Farm, January has become a really important window for the Blues to bolster both their quality and squad depth.
After a selection shuffle from Moyes against Nottingham Forest, James Tarkowski has waxed lyrical about one of his defensive teammates.
Everton defender just as quick as Iliman Ndiaye
It is believed that Everton are looking to sign a new right-back in January and that was only emphasised on Tuesday after an injury to Michael Keane.
As a result, Jake O’Brien returned to his natural position at centre-back, where he played alongside Tarkowski to help keep Forest at bay.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Tarkowski has shared just how impressed he has been with O’Brien’s physical attributes.
Has this just become Everton’s best central defensive pairing? 👏
Dominant throughout the game against Forest
“I’ve had Jake alongside me at right-back but he’s a centre-half by trade, we all know that, and you can see why,” said the Everton captain.
“He was excellent, he’s as strong as an ox and is as quick as anyone else in the team and defends ever so well, although it’s not easy when you chop and change positions and to go from right-back to centre-half.”
Iliman Ndiaye has been clocked as Everton’s quickest player in the current squad.
To have a physical specimen like O’Brien potentially able to match that speed, at his height, is something that is simply incredible.
O’Brien must retain his starting spot at centre-back
Keane has been exceptional for Everton this season as he has filled in for the injured Jarrad Branthwaite.
However, Tuesday’s performance highlighted just how much better O’Brien can be at centre-back instead of playing at right-back, which was filled by Nathan Patterson.
What should Everton do with Nathan Patterson in January after his display vs Forest? 👏
The Ireland international has barely played at centre-back since he joined Everton back in the summer of 2024.
He sent a clear message to Moyes on Tuesday against Forest as Danny Murphy was left so impressed with O’Brien and Tarkowski after heading away almost every cross delivered their way.
Regardless of whether Keane is available for Sunday’s game against Brentford, the 24-year-old put in a display worthy of retaining his spot.
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