RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesEverton fan Les Roberts from The Blue Room says it is "frustrating" that Jake O'Brien is continuing to play as right-back when the new season is on the horizon.
O'Brien was signed as a central defender from Olympique Lyon in 2024, but was switched to cover the full-back role when David Moyes returned for his second stint at the club.
Everton are reportedly interested in Celtic's Alistair Johnston, but in the meantime, O'Brien is continuing to hold that position.
"Pre-season is for the players not the fans," said Les to BBC Radio Merseyside. "But the thing that's annoyed me is that we started the last game with the same back four as last season; James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitalii Mykolenko and Jake O'Brien.
"I don't want to see that. If we start with O'Brien at right-back next season then I will walk in and walk straight back out again because we want to see something different.
"We definitely need a change. For the first six months after David Moyes returned it was brilliant to move O'Brien there because he played well, but not for another season.
"He effectively lost last season in terms of progression, so if he was to play there again this season it wouldn't surprise me if he asked for a move.
"He should be the centre-back partnership with Branthwaite. It's frustrating and not good for his development as a young player."
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