2025/26 Jake O'Brien

[Bluerover]

No sign of the geniuses that were trying to slate him a few weeks ago.

One tried to dismiss his excellent Ireland performances as irrelevant.... including the win against Portugal.

Ah well, I suppose it says more about them.

 

[Davideeyore]

I do believe he's a centre half.

 

[Vaughan]

Massive centre back in “better at centre back than right back” shocker.

Might have done wonders for him acclimatising playing at RB, bit more time on the ball. But it went on far too long. Made some of their players look like toddlers today, stepping across them in a foot race and playing a simple pass.

When a pass is on, he will play it. When it’s not, he will lash it away. No nonsense with a decent dash of quality and composure. Finally looking like a brilliant purchase.

getting him in the side at right back was a master stroke, and worked because he was desperate to play, we also were a more conservative side, and we played more like a third centre half with lindstrom playing more like a wing back, it was a really good bit of innovation from moyes as well as freshening up the side and getting a strong player in the side in a stale and problematic position

but with our more progressive yet slower style of play, and having a winger like ndiaye who can do it all, but would really benefit from a natural and overlapping rb its really broken down there on that side this year.

i also think obrien was thinking he would be starting at cb with branthwaite, and the complete lack of activity meant he had to be shoehorned back in there, its likely very frustrating for him too

 

[TimHowardsBeardJuice]

Worthy of serious consideration.

Patterson has been more than adequate in his starts at RB. O’B can play RB but he has commanded the pitch as a CB.

Need to feature going forward.

 

[irishblue11]

Proper centre half, loves defending. Brilliant performance.

 

[arch stanton]

was excellent today and his pace is very helpful

 

[MaximusEvertonius]

I can’t wait to see Jake and Jarrad defending the center like two towers. He needs to remain as a CB. It’s so obvious.

 

[TimHowardsBeardJuice]

I can’t wait to see Jake and Jarrad defending the center like two towers. He needs to remain as a CB. It’s so obvious.

this will be like, none shall pass

 

[Neiler]

Bit of a monster, he’s always great in a low block……

 

[knowing your history]

No sign of the geniuses that were trying to slate him a few weeks ago.

One tried to dismiss his excellent Ireland performances as irrelevant.... including the win against Portugal.

Ah well, I suppose it says more about them.

I'd like to think most would just like to start him start at centre half most weeks now.

Limitations at RB but that is to be expected.

Probably won't get to see him and Branthy as the duo until next season but that is going to be well worth the wait. Let's hope Jarrad gets a full pre season for first time in a while.

 

[Eagle Eye]

Wonder if when Branthwaite is fit we will go 3-4-3 at home?

Him Tarky and o brien is as good as a balanced 3 you will get anywhere. Garner and KDH central, Patterson and Aznou (or Mcneil) wide and normal front 3. Away we have already nailed the formula...

 

[BlueBarrow]

No sign of the geniuses that were trying to slate him a few weeks ago.

One tried to dismiss his excellent Ireland performances as irrelevant.... including the win against Portugal.

Ah well, I suppose it says more about them.

Agree entirely mate. Weapons , the lot of them.

 

[Joey66]

I can’t wait to see Jake and Jarrad defending the center like two towers. He needs to remain as a CB. It’s so obvious.

It wont be though Tarks will get the nod over O'Brien ....

 

[Neiler]

 

[Sharpattack]

I can’t wait to see Jake and Jarrad defending the center like two towers. He needs to remain as a CB. It’s so obvious.

I fully agree, but I’ve a feeling you may never see it.