2024/25 Jake O'Brien

[Bedfordblue]

Onana led the league in aerial duels won last season, in large part it's why Villa going after him made huge sense - as a team Villa ranked 20th in that metric last season.

As a % of duels challenged or the number of duels? (Or both!)
He’s a big lad obviously, but I don’t recall him winning loads of contested headers.

 

[Bedfordblue]

I’m not sure he did. He was 45th overall and 9th midfielder.

Was just going to query that myself as I don’t recall him being especially dominant in the air.

 

[CalBuckeye_Rob]

It is getting way too predictable. Everton has limited funds but pays decent money--here £17 million--to add a guy then won't play him at a dire position of need because he is apparently worse than Keane. Who is scouting these guys that can't find someone more useful than Keane?

 

[Dublin blue 75]

It is getting way too predictable. Everton has limited funds but pays decent money--here £17 million--to add a guy then won't play him at a dire position of need because he is apparently worse than Keane. Who is scouting these guys that can't find someone more useful than Keane?

Nobody is saying he is worse than Keane. Keane, for reasons best known to Sean Dyche, continues to be selected by same manager despite the data clearly showing this is a self defeating strategy over 6 years (pre dating Dyche).

Keane will likely get Dyche fired during October as we implode without JB.

 

[NathDogg]

If you’re not in for Branners at the weekend, stick a transfer request in lad, and go play anywhere else.

 

[goldfinchmule]

Well, at least he won't pick up an injury.

Good chance he will training with us.

 

[Toffeepot]

Exactly. People are acting like he's been rotting on the bench for seasons.

It's been 6 league games. He's being given time to settle.

If he's still behind Keane after Christmas then obviously Dyche needs drowning in acid or something but it seems pretty sensible so far

That escalated quickly

 

[blueblue]

Exactly. People are acting like he's been rotting on the bench for seasons.

It's been 6 league games. He's being given time to settle.

If he's still behind Keane after Christmas then obviously Dyche needs drowning in acid or something but it seems pretty sensible so far

The same people calling for O Brien to be brought into the team would then slaughter him when/if he makes mistakes.

 

[hallamblue]

The same people calling for O Brien to be brought into the team would then slaughter him when/if he makes mistakes.

At least he's presumably got the capacity to improve whereas for Keane the only way is down.

 

[Evertonthat]

The same people calling for O Brien to be brought into the team would then slaughter him when/if he makes mistakes.

Can he be worse? I mean, Keane can have a good game and we still let in 3 goals!

 

[Giraffe_Baker]

Can't get a call up for Ireland but he's the new Great White Hope for Evertonians.

 

[Nymzee]

Can't get a call up for Ireland but he's the new Great White Hope for Evertonians.

Probs because he keeps getting palmed off by Dyche... maybe.

 

[mikel_88]

The same people calling for O Brien to be brought into the team would then slaughter him when/if he makes mistakes.

Think would be more room for him to make mistakes from the fans. Dont kno what the lad is like in training but could just tell him to keep his game simple. Would have been ok from the start of the season for me when the other cb had injuries.

 

[Azza]

Top scouting from Thelwell as usual, Dyche sussed it out early again, just like Chermitti and Danjuma. Give Dyche all the responsibility.

 

[ToffeeTim]

Needs to start