JACK MARTIN talks to the Cork soccer international
JAKE O’Brien has learned how quickly a football player’s fortunes can change.
Last summer, having moved from Lyon to Everton in a deal worth over £20 million, the 23-year-old Cork native was champing at the bit to make his mark in the Premier League.
But from the outset he struggled to convince the recently departed Sean Dyche that he was worthy of a starting spot and up until early January had made just three substitute appearances.
However, since David Moyes’ return as manager to Goodison Park at the turn of the year, O’Brien’s Everton career has turned a corner as he has become a regular starter for the Toffees scoring two goals operating as a right-back.
“It’s great,” he tells The Irish Post. “Before I wasn’t sure what my role was in the team. I’m happy that I’m able to express myself. David (Moyes) has been a great help. He’s playing me in a new role which was an eyebrow raiser at first. But he’s very clear in what he wants me to do.“
Growing up, O’Brien played several sports including boxing and hurling before focusing on football at the age of 14, being the sport he enjoyed most. “I think I could have made it in boxing or hurling but I’m glad I chose football as it’s worked out,” he says.
He began his career with Cork City before joining Crystal Palace in 2021. He spent time on loan at Belgian club RWD Molenbeek and then moved to Lyon in 2023 where he caught the eye of Everton’s scouting department after playing a key role for the French giants, scoring in the French Cup final last season.
“It’s a different style of football in France,” he says. “It’s different to England. The tempo and physicality of the Premier League is its biggest challenge. It’s very technical over there. More is expected of you as a defender technically which helped my development. It’s the kind of football I like to play. I’d advise other Irish players to look abroad. You learn different tactics and styles. You become a much more rounded player.”
The skills and composure honed in a more technical league has helped him to thrive in an attacking role at right-back, a move away from his natural position at centre-half.
Having his compatriot Seamus Coleman around the training ground has also helped O’Brien to settle in on Merseyside. After 16 years at Everton, Coleman knows the club inside out and, being an orthodox right-back, is well placed to offer advice to O’Brien.
“Seamus has been great,” he says. “He’s made me feel at home. The club is everything he said it was before I came here. He’s very experienced in the role I’m playing now so he’s always giving me advice. It’s brilliant to have him around.”
The next step for O’Brien is to become a star in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Ireland team. Since making his debut last year, he has found it hard to shine in a struggling team.
O’Brien’s wish is to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Corkman and hero Roy Keane by developing into a household name for the Boys In Green.
“His (Keane) attitude to the game was amazing,” he says. “He was inspirational. I still have a lot to learn. I think I’m nowhere near the player I can be. I just need to keeping making small steps forward.”
Jake O’Brien CV
Jake Patrick O’Brien was born in Cork on May 15, 2001. His teams have included:
Cork City
Crystal Palace
Swindon Town
RWD Molenbeek
Lyon
Everton
He has appeared for the Republic five times.
See More: Everton, Republic Soccer Team, Soccer
