View: Latest reveal over Everton star showcases what Moyes needs to do to achieve success

Jake O’Brien’s versatility has been used to his own detriment at Everton this season.

Everton got back to winning ways against Aston Villa on Sunday, with Thierno Barry scoring the only goal of the game at Villa Park.

It was a resolute display from the Toffees, who, while they may not have created as much as they would have liked in an attacking sense, did more than enough to shut down any threat posed by the hosts.

At the heart of those defensive efforts was O’Brien, who has since shown David Moyes exactly what he needs to do moving forward.

David Moyes must end Jake O’Brien experiment for good

O’Brien was utilised as a centre-back against Villa, despite having played as a right-back on many occasions.

In fact, 17 of his Premier League appearances this season have seen the Irishman utilised at right-back, primarily due to the absence of Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson.

In that regard, Moyes has somewhat had his hands tied when it comes to where he utilises O’Brien, but the 24-year-old showcases exactly why he cannot play there ever again for the Toffees.

Dating back to May, O’Brien has featured just five times in the Premier League as a centre-back for the Toffees, and on every occasion, they have secured all three points.

• Everton 2-0 Southampton
• Newcastle 0-1 Everton
• Bournemouth 0-1 Everton
• Nottingham Forest 0-2 Everton
• Aston Villa 0-1 Everton

What’s also worth noting is the fact that Everton have not conceded a single goal in that time, showcasing just how influential O’Brien is when playing at the heart of the defence.

Everton’s stats certainly back up this argument, as do his own.

• Read more: Every word Joe Hart said about ‘frustrating’ Everton moment vs Aston Villa on MOTD

O’Brien is far more effective centrally as showcased by stats

O’Brien isnt the most technically gifted footballer, nor is he the quickest. Hence, his lack of influence when playing on the outskirts of a back four.

However, when central, the Irishman has room to demonstrate his true talents, which are all purely defensive.

As showcased by the below Sofascore graphic, O’Brien averages almost double the amount of clearances per game when playing as a centre-back as opposed to a right-back.

Added to that, the 24-year-old wins almost 27 per cent more of his duels per game when playing centrally.

O’Brien simply cannot be moved away from centre-back after this, and if an injury crisis were to occur again, Moyes will need to find another way to cope.

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