O’Brien Sets Target After Progress Under Moyes

Jake O’Brien has revealed he was eager for a quick return to Finch Farm for pre-season training after his promising finish to last season – and says there are “more gears” for him to go through in his development.

Despite representing the Republic of Ireland in June’s international friendlies, O’Brien was keen to rejoin the Blues squad in time for a full pre-season schedule.

He’s featured in both of the Toffees’ opening friendly fixtures so far, and, speaking in an interview exclusively for evertontv+ subscribers after a narrow 1-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, said: “I know it’s been a tough pre-season to start with, but we’ve got big games coming up and it’s important we get valuable minutes in them and get the sharpness up.

“It's early and I'm just going to go back, train, and make sure that I get sharper and more fit. There are big games coming up so it's important that I keep training hard and become more sharp come the start of the Premier League.”

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For O’Brien, It was a strong second half of 2024/25, with the defender making 18 of his 20 Premier League appearances after David Moyes’ return to the Club in January.

Out of those involvements, three quarters were at right-back – a new role for the towering 6ft 6in central defender.

“I think it's important to be versatile,” he acknowledged. “To not just know one position but to know various positions – and I think I'm still learning. But it's good to play out there. I'm happy to play in the two positions and if I'm needed there, I'll be ready.”

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