View: Defender surely gave Moyes food for thought in Everton v Burnley

Everton recorded an important 2-0 win over Burnley on Tuesday night, and Jake O’Brien was excellent in the Toffees’ defence.

David Moyes‘ side came into the game full of confidence off the back of a big 3-2 away win over Newcastle last time out, and we’re looking to boost their top half chances against the Clarets.

Everton took the lead on 32 minutes, with James Garner’s inviting ball into the box from a free-kick was met by the head of former Burnley man James Tarkowski, who headed home the opening goal of the night.

The Toffees put the game beyond Burnley on the hour mark, when Iliman Ndiaye played in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, before the attacking midfielder lifted the ball over Martin Dubravka and into the far corner of the net.

• Read more: Dwight McNeil inspirational, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall shines – Everton player ratings vs Burnley

Jake O’Brien sent clear David Moyes message vs Burnley

The future of Everton’s right-back position is uncertain, with changes sure to befall Hill Dickinson Stadium in that department for next season.

Seamus Coleman is 37 and out of contract at the end of this season, whilst Nathan Patterson has only made seven total appearances this season, and appears firmly out of favour with Moyes.

That just leaves O’Brien as the only other natural and senior option in that position, and he has been Everton’s starter there this term, with 26 of his 28 league appearances coming from the starting XI.

As such, right-back is widely expected to be a position that Everton target to improve at in the summer transfer market, but O’Brien’s performance against Burnley said to Moyes: ‘I’m your man’.

As per Sofascore, the 24-year-old won two out of his three tackle attempts, wasn’t dribbled past once and took 49 touches in the game, just one of which being unsuccessful.

He also made 12 carries with the ball and completed 19/20 of his passes in the opposition half successfully too, in what was an all-round top showing from the Republic of Ireland international.

• Read more: Everton have no choice than to sign a new right-back in the summer after Premier League reveal

What is O’Brien’s Everton contract status?

Signed originally as a centre-back but now a natural right-back too, O’Brien is showing signs that with enough patience and trust, he can develop into a top defender for Everton.

Upon completing his summer 2024 transfer from Lyon for a reported £17million fee, he penned a four-year contract with the Toffees.

That means O’Brien is contracted at Hill Dickinson Stadium until end of June 2028, giving him plenty more time yet to continue developing in Moyes’ side.

So, with the talent clearly there for him to shine on the Premier League stage, the question will be can he stay consistent enough to earn Moyes’ trust long-term?

For even more Everton news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.

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