View: Everton outcast could be PL modern-day great, Dyche is really holding him back

By Matthew Foley

Jake O’Brien arrived at Goodison Park in the summer transfer window for £17 million, but his chance of breaking through looks less likely with Sean Dyche in charge.

The Irish centre-back made a name for himself last season at Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyonnais and was even linked to a transfer to the 2023/24 Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund during the summer, so how come O’Brien is yet to start a Premier League game for Everton this season?

It has been a disastrous start to the Premier League for the Toffees, who have only gathered a single point from their opening five fixtures, conceding 14 goals in the process. With the Friedkin Group set to acquire ownership of Everton, the pressure is set to increase on Dyche, who needs to start picking up victories instantly to save his job.

Would a new Everton manager be able to unlock O’Brien?

Dyche is incredibly loyal to his players, especially to his centre-back pairing of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski, whom he previously managed at Burnley. As cynical as it sounds, O’Brien may have a better chance of breaking into Everton’s starting line-up if Dyche is let go by the club.

With Dyche reluctant to make many changes to his defence, anger has grown within the fanbase of the club, who are screaming for reshuffling within the squad.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate is the latest name to be linked to the job at Goodison Park, a fresh face in the dugout would be beneficial for the Irishman’s development.

According to FBRef, O’Brien is a huge threat in the opposition box, averaging 0.23 goals or assists per 90 last season in Ligue 1, an impressive feat for a defender. The former Crystal Palace academy product is also a strong passer, with a 76% long pass completion rate.

Standing at 6 foot 6’ at just 23 years old, whoever is in charge of Everton in the coming years should be looking to build their team around the unique talents of O’Brien, who if used correctly, could turn out to be one of the great modern-day Premier League defenders.

In other Everton news, Aaron Lennon has shared what the Toffees must do to improve their form this season.

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