Jake O'Brien
EVERepublic of Ireland
Right
May 15, 2001
24
6'6"
203 lb
RB
CB
Balanced Full Back
EvertonStandout defensive performance
O'Brien recorded 12 clearances in Saturday's 2-0 loss versus Arsenal.
Analysis: O'Brien led the Everton defensive effort Saturday with 12 clearances as they conceded twice late in the second half of their 2-0 defeat at Arsenal. The 12 clearances mark a season-high for the central defender and just the second time over 29 appearances (27 starts) in which he's recorded double-digit clearances. Since returning from a one-match ban due to a red card, O'Brien has played three successive 90-minute shifts.
Available after ban
O'Brien has served his Premier League suspension in Monday's match against Manchester United and is in back contention for future games.
Analysis: O'Brien made 15 consecutive starts prior to his suspension, so he may bounce back to a right-back spot after midfielder James Garner was deployed in that position against the Red Devils. The defender was a bit far from his best form in his most recent performances, but he could be relied on for his season averages of 4.0 clearances and 1.5 tackles per game.
Sent off Tuesday
O'Brien received a red card during Tuesday's match against Bournemouth.
Analysis: O'Brien left his side with 10 men after committing a foul in the second half of the game. This event forces the right-back to serve a three-game ban, forcing a change in the usual lineup, with Nathan Patterson available as a direct replacement option. O'Brien had started in 14 consecutive games before his red card, and he even contributed one assist in that span.
Eight clearances in win
O'Brien registered one tackle (one won), eight clearances and one interception in Sunday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
Analysis: O'Brien had a decent defensive outing against Aston Villa on Sunday, handling heavy second half defending as the Villains increased the tempo. He was directly involved in several key sequences, as he stayed disciplined in the box when Villa targeted the far post, highlighted by a total of eight clearances during his shift. O'Brien also recorded a season high two blocks and added one tackle and one interception to help Everton secure their ninth clean sheet of the season.
10 clearances in central role
O'Brien registered two tackles (one won) and 10 clearances in Tuesday's 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: With Michael Keane (undisclosed) sidelined, O'Brien moved from his usual right-back role to the central position and recorded a season-high 10 clearances, along with two tackles and one block. This is the second time he has filled in at center-back, and he has kept clean sheets in both appearances while totaling two tackles, one block and 18 clearances. Offensively, he attempted one shot and created two chances, all in his first game.
Assists in win
O'Brien assisted once to go with two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-0 victory versus Nottingham Forest. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 93rd minute.
Analysis: O'Brien started at right-back, shifted from his recent centre-back role after the return from injury of Michael Keane, and delivered a steady defensive performance in Everton's backline. He contributed going forward from set pieces, most notably on the third goal when he reacted first to Matz Sels' glancing punch from a corner and knocked the ball back into Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's path for the 80th-minute final goal, being also his first assist of the season in the Premier League. Off the ball he tracked runners diligently and helped protect the flank as Forest pushed more bodies forward. O'Brien has created three chances in the last two games while he created three chances in the first 13 games of the season in the Premier League, a new aspect of his game that could be a nice addition for the Toffees.
Plays every minute
O'Brien played every minute during Tuesday's 2-0 loss to Wolves in the Carabao Cup.
Analysis: O'Brien has been an iron man through the opening stages of the season, playing every minute in every competition. He's been a big part of the team throughout making the right-back job his own. O'Brien didn't have a great day against Wolves on Tuesday, but should be back in the starting XI next time out against West Ham.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare