A former player under Sean Dyche has described Jake O’Brien’s transfer to Everton as “a match made in heaven,” emphasizing that there’s much more to the 6ft 6in defender than just his physical presence.
O’Brien’s €19.5 million (£16.43m) move from Olympique Lyonnais was confirmed on Tuesday, and the Republic of Ireland centre-back acknowledges that his height is a significant advantage.
O’Brien stated, “I think it’s important at my height to score, as well as defend. Given my size, it’s a big attribute for me and it’ll be a huge help to the team.
” However, the 23-year-old insisted he brings more to the game than just his stature, adding, “I know I’m a defender, but I like to bring that side of the game.
I suppose I’m the modern-day centre half. You’ll see me soon on the pitch and you’ll see what kind of player I am.”
This perspective is echoed by O’Brien’s compatriot Keith Treacy, who played under Dyche at Burnley, making 75 appearances and scoring five goals for the Clarets.
HITC quotes the Dublin-born former Republic of Ireland international midfielder speaking on the RTE Soccer Podcast: “He (Dyche) is very good at motivating you, wanting to do things.
He walks into a room and he commands your respect, he commands your attention.
“I think (Dyche and O’Brien) is a match made in heaven, I really do. People are probably expecting me to say: ‘Jake is 6ft 6in, aerial duels, he’ll battle with people, be physical’. He can do all of that.
He’ll tick that box for Sean Dyche because Sean Dyche does want that. But he can pass the ball as well. He’s not a bad footballer.
“I was really impressed with him in the two games I saw him play for Ireland (against Hungary and Portugal).
The distribution into the midfield I thought was brilliant. He’s 23 years of age. I think Sean Dyche will get the absolute best out of him.”
O’Brien has credited Seamus Coleman as a major influence in his decision to join Everton.
Treacy has even tipped O’Brien, who hails from Youghal, County Cork, to succeed the 35-year-old Killybegs-born right-back as Ireland’s team captain.
Treacy stated, “I don’t like doing this to players but, at 23 and given the rise he’s had and having spoken to him personally, I think he’s a future Irish captain.
That’s not me kicking Seamus Coleman down the road. Keep him around for as long as possible; his performances have proven he should stay around for a little bit longer. But I think Jake is a ready-made captain. His aura, the way he goes about it.
Nothing seems to faze him. I think he’s a future Ireland captain and I think he’s our number one centre-half now.”
In summary, O’Brien’s transfer to Everton is not only seen as a perfect fit for Sean Dyche’s style but also positions him as a potential leader for Ireland’s national team in the future.
