‘Done Exceptionally Well’: Kevin Ratcliffe Praises Everton Defender Who Has Been Playing Out of Position

Former Everton captain Kevin Ratcliffe has heaped praise on defender Jake O’Brien.

The Irish international has been utilised as a right-back by David Moyes, with options in that position limited.

Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson have both had periods out through injury in recent months.

Consequently, Moyes has had to fit square pegs in round holes during the opening weeks of the season.

However, Ratcliffe insists that O’Brien has done ‘exceptionally well’ while playing out of his natural position.

The former Toffees captain goes on to state that the club must invest in a natural right-back.

He said: “I look at other teams, other full-backs and other centre-backs and I look at Jake O’Brien and he’s done exceptionally well, he’s been brilliant. But he’s not a right-back.

“I think Jake has been one of our star players this calendar year, but modern day full-backs do bomb on and they’re playing like an added winger with the wide attacking players tucking in.

As well as he’s done and he’s great at getting in around the back post sometimes and he looks dangerous, I think we need someone with a right-back brain.”

O’BRIEN HAS DONE WELL, BUT A RIGHT-BACK IS A MUST IN THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW

While O’Brien has indeed been a standout individual under Moyes, we must bring in a right-back in January.

Many fans would’ve expected investment in that area during the summer, however other positions were prioritised.

We have missed the benefit of a natural right-back in terms of our attacking prospects.

While O’Brien is solid defensively, he’s doesn’t offer much in the way of an overlap for the winger.

Ratcliffe goes on to state that he expects the Irishman will move into central defence once the right-back position has been filled.

He is certainly a talented defender and should develop well under a manager such as David Moyes.