Jake O'Brien

[UnsyisaRhino]

Got to be a record this surely, calls of clearly not very good after about 35 Days.

Who's said that? I think the most negative sentiment in the thread is probably mine, and I'm simply questioning why he should be starting over anyone else based on what we've seen so far.

[Evertonian in NC]

If he's good enough for Lyon, then he's sure as shit good enough for present-day Everton.

[Paddockoldie]

Who's said that? I think the most negative sentiment in the thread is probably mine, and I'm simply questioning why he should be starting over anyone else based on what we've seen so far.

The answer to that question isn't going to be found on the bench. As already stated, Branthwaite got wrecked for being sent off for a silly error but look at him now. That's by playing

[Toddacelli]

The answer to that question isn't going to be found on the bench. As already stated, Branthwaite got wrecked for being sent off for a silly error but look at him now. That's by playing

Exactly. Don’t think anyone is expecting his performance curve to improve as quickly as Branthwaite’s did, that was some freakishly fast development, but that he’s worth having a look at and starting his first team phase now.

There’s every chance he will fuck up like Branthwaite did early on, but given carefully managed opportunities, he will have the chance to have an impact.

[Cods]

Honestly baffled that you're asking how he is ahead of Welch!!!!!

He was fantastic for Lyon. And had been said to be the catalyst for their change in fortunes last year. He was very loved by fans. He scored in the cup final against PSG, he was very well thought of.

Signed to be back up CB but very quickly was one of their most important first 11.

You cant just ignore that because it's the French league!!

Sorry I wasn't comparing him to Welsh in anything other than age and physique as a benchmark/archetype young and tall defender.

I was hoping someone that had watched him a bit might be able to contrast him with Welsh/Branthwaite as far as his attributes. (I thought playing first team football in France was obvious. This still doesnt define his abilities though, or determine how good a player he is and why, but merely that he had been chosen to be played, and does nothing to differentiate him with every other young CB with a good season in France - eg. Leny Yoro)

I was looking for opinion on what his attributes are other than what the stats show. Is he mobile, is he a sitter, does he read the game well, is he quick off the mark, does he like to dominate and go in hard for challenges, slide tackle (like Branthwaite), can he head the ball (Kroldrup), is he tentative or committed in challenges, confident/powerful, does he step out and pass creatively into the attacking third (Keane), is he used to playing in a compact defence, does his style suit lining up alongside Tarkowski or Branthwaite, is he good on the ball, his positiong without it, does he lead/communicate well etc... I haven't checked the thread fully but so far have heard little except that he'll be the new Branthwaite.

Particularly keen to hear from those that are adamant that he needs to be in in place of Keane why, other than price tag, they think he should. I'm not suggesting he shouldn't, but asking the question as to why.

[Toddacelli]

I’ve not seen him beyond his highlights reels but I’ve watched all I could find.

First thing is aerial ability. His head is an absolute magnet for long balls and crosses. Exactly what you would expect from such a tall CB, but his accuracy and direction looked really good. Obviously his highlights reel doesn’t show if he has a head like a 50p because it only shows the ones that found the back of the net, but the technique looked to be there so I am optimistic.

Pace. He didn’t look rapid, but he didn’t look slow either. Every possibility PL forwards are faster and I don’t know French football so I don’t know if he was racing donkeys. Again, clips of him getting lapped wouldn’t make the highlights reels. But I don’t think he’s slow.

Positionally speaking it’s more difficult with highlights because you don’t know what went on before, but he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time so I guess we’ll see.
Tackling was interesting. He’s not a last-ditch heart in your mouth type of guy. Because he is strong and has long legs, most of his tackles are of him putting a foot in, nicking it of the attacker’s foot. So it looks like he doesn’t go to ground too easy, which is a good thing.

On the ball he is comfortable and had a decent range of passing. This is the one I find most unreliable though. Lots of clips when he has lots of time to think and you just don’t often get that time in the PL. So again, looks good, will have to be tested at this level.


TLDR: definitely ready for first team minutes to find out where his place in the squad pecking order should be.

[Cods]

I’ve not seen him beyond his highlights reels but I’ve watched all I could find.

First thing is aerial ability. His head is an absolute magnet for long balls and crosses. Exactly what you would expect from such a tall CB, but his accuracy and direction looked really good. Obviously his highlights reel doesn’t show if he has a head like a 50p because it only shows the ones that found the back of the net, but the technique looked to be there so I am optimistic.

Pace. He didn’t look rapid, but he didn’t look slow either. Every possibility PL forwards are faster and I don’t know French football so I don’t know if he was racing donkeys. Again, clips of him getting lapped wouldn’t make the highlights reels. But I don’t think he’s slow.

Positionally speaking it’s more difficult with highlights because you don’t know what went on before, but he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time so I guess we’ll see.
Tackling was interesting. He’s not a last-ditch heart in your mouth type of guy. Because he is strong and has long legs, most of his tackles are of him putting a foot in, nicking it of the attacker’s foot. So it looks like he doesn’t go to ground too easy, which is a good thing.

On the ball he is comfortable and had a decent range of passing. This is the one I find most unreliable though. Lots of clips when he has lots of time to think and you just don’t often get that time in the PL. So again, looks good, will have to be tested at this level.


TLDR: definitely ready for first team minutes to find out where his place in the squad pecking order should be.

Some really good stuff in there Todd, sounds promising as far as fitting in with who we have and exciting young strong and dominant in the air. If its Branthwaite and O'Brien even for a small while (or longer when new billionaire owner surfaces) then there's good cover across most things bar experience. If hes quick enough to pick it off the toes of the attacker thats a good sign.

I've read it often but don't get what is meant by a '50p head'?

Highlights are a funny thing, watched a few of Ndiaye and wasn't massively impressed as he looked a little risky with the ball and questionable decision making, but last weekend he did the right things and was excellent. Excited to see more of him.

We've got to dominate set pieces, maybe Lindstrom feeding the big fellas. 2nd in the league last season, but this has to improve given the stature of half the squad, and the manager we have...should be easy easy goals.

[Audrey Horne]

I've read it often but don't get what is meant by a '50p head'?

It means someone who cant head a ball basically.

Imagine their head was 50p shaped....the ball hits an angle of the coin/head and just goes in random directions.

This is a 50p shape (not sure coin shapes in Australia!!!)

[bigmanbob]

AKA head like a sheriffs badge

[Cods]

It means someone who cant head a ball basically.

Imagine their head was 50p shaped....the ball hits an angle of the coin/head and just goes in random directions.

This is a 50p shape (not sure coin shapes in Australia!!!)

Gotcha, yes we have an odd shaped 50c too, makes sense now thanks. Was said once in relation to Myko, so assumed it might have meant tiny!

[AjaxAndy]

Head like a 50 pence piece and nicknaming a keeper who's scared of crosses 'vampire' or 'Jesus' are probably my favourite old school football sayings

[Toddacelli]

Some really good stuff in there Todd, sounds promising as far as fitting in with who we have and exciting young strong and dominant in the air. If its Branthwaite and O'Brien even for a small while (or longer when new billionaire owner surfaces) then there's good cover across most things bar experience. If hes quick enough to pick it off the toes of the attacker thats a good sign.

It’s all relative to the level he was playing at of course, but I don’t see why we wouldn’t start him alongside Tarkowski to see how he does. If he wasn’t still a baby, the clamour to replace Keane now with the new CB from Lyon would be unreal.

[Evertonfc15]

I think if we had competent secure CBs then yeah he needs to earn his place. But right now our defence is a disgrace so..... put him the fuck in

100 per cent yeah - if dyche played jake v villa alongside tarks
there has to be considerable improvement and confidence in our defence and i bet pickford would welcome the change too
and
even if we got beat v villa who are playing brilliantly at the mo - i would respect dyche for trying to stop the rot and move forward and try a new CB partnership

[brap2]

Starts on the bench for ROI

[AjaxAndy]

Starts on the bench for ROI

FFS what's Dyche playing at?!

Oh no sorry not on him today