What Jake O’Brien is doing behind the scenes at Everton which is really impressing Sean Dyche

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Everton have been hit fairly heavily over the opening stages of the season through injury issues.

Sean Dyche’s side are now showing improved form with five straight games without defeat in the Premier League.

And the Everton manager is finally seeing his squad take shape with players closing in on their return from their respective issues.

Dwight McNeil missed Everton training on Thursday but is expected to be a 50/50 call ahead of the trip to Southampton on the weekend.

One area of the pitch which the Toffees are strong in is at centre-back with Jarrad Branthwaite returning to action last weekend against Fulham.

However, Everton fans want to see Jake O’Brien in action after signing from Lyon in the summer for £17m.

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What Jake O’Brien has done to impress Sean Dyche at Everton

The Toffees are now expected to have all four of their top centre-backs available for selection on the weekend.

With Branthwaite now back in the fold, Dyche told the media in his Thursday press conference that Everton’s £17m summer signing O’Brien is really impressing him in training at Finch Farm.

“Jake’s learning all the time. Jake’s training very well, as well,” said the Everton boss.

“You know, I want that competitive element across the squad, where we can have it because we are a bit limited with numbers, but when we’re all fit, and I think there is a very competitive squad, and I think that’s good for them, and particularly at center half.

“Obviously, Jarrad had a real strong season last season, and with Tarkowski and then Keane is having a strong start to this season and doing well and Tarkowski has been the solid self that he is.

“And Jake’s also in the pack because he’s showing signs, particularly through training and his development. So it’s a good fore, I think.”

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Jake O’Brien stats since joining Everton

Considering O’Brien joined Everton at a time when Branthwaite was sidelined through injury, O’Brien has really struggled to make an impact.

And despite Everton signing O’Brien for £17m, Dyche has not been pressured into squeezing the Ireland international into the starting XI.

Now Everton have come out of their struggles in the league, O’Brien remains a regular feature on the Everton bench.

Considering Branthwaite is now available and Everton are on an unbeaten run, it is really difficult to see where O’Brien comes into the side with the Toffees also out of the Carabao Cup.