ZeeboiWhen David Moyes evaluates his Everton squad this summer, he will recognize the need for reinforcements across multiple positions.
However, there are several key players who should remain at the heart of the Toffees’ ambitious future plans. According to Sky Sport, Jarrad Branthwaite is open to extending his contract, but the young center-back is also being closely monitored by Liverpool and Manchester City.
Branthwaite isn’t the only player The Friedkin Group will need to retain on Merseyside. While Farhad Moshiri’s tenure ended in disarray, the 2023 summer transfer window offered glimpses of promise, laying the groundwork for future success.
Everton’s Summer Transfer Window
Last summer, Everton secured the signing of Ndiaye from Marseille for £15 million as Sean Dyche sought to revitalize his attack. Ndiaye quickly became a standout performer during a challenging period, earning praise from pundit Jamie Redknapp, who described him as “dynamite” in October.
The forward has been Everton’s top scorer this season, netting eight goals in 28 appearances across all competitions. His form improved further under Moyes, with goals in three consecutive Premier League wins before a medial ligament injury sustained against Liverpool halted his progress.
This setback is a cruel blow for a player who was hitting his stride, but Moyes and the club can remain optimistic about his future. Ndiaye ranks among the top 17% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for pass completion, the top 7% for successful take-ons, the top 1% for ball recoveries, and the top 14% for tackles plus interceptions per 90, according to FBref.
A successful take-on occurs when a player beats an opponent by carrying the ball past them while maintaining possession.
A fan favorite and a skillful winger capable of producing moments of magic, Ndiaye is undoubtedly a prized asset. It’s crucial that Moyes retains him, as his performances are sure to attract interest from top clubs in the future.
Ndiaye isn’t the only player who has impressed, though. Orel Mangala brought a dynamic, ball-playing presence to the midfield before suffering a season-ending injury last month. While currently on loan, his performances in the first half of the campaign should encourage Everton to activate the buy clause in his contract.
Tim Iroegbunam has also shown promise, though injuries have limited his involvement. More recently, Jake O’Brien has begun to demonstrate why his signing last summer was a masterstroke.
Everton’s Jackpot Signing: Jake O’Brien
Standing at an imposing 6’6”, O’Brien joined Lyon in 2023 after failing to break into Crystal Palace’s first team. Journalist Zach Lowy hailed him as a “revelation in defense” during his time in France.
The 23-year-old’s blend of physicality and natural defensive instincts makes him an ideal fit for Moyes’ system. O’Brien is averaging 0.13 goals per game in the Premier League and ranks in the top 1% of full-backs for clearances and the top 2% for aerial duels won per 90.
Moyes’ decision to deploy O’Brien consistently at right-back highlights his value to the team. Before the managerial change in January, O’Brien had not started a single Premier League game.
Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson have both struggled with injuries this season, while Ashley Young, though still a valuable squad member at 39, lacks the athleticism of his younger counterparts. Moyes has yet to start Young, who made 17 starts under Dyche.
Given Young’s extensive playing time this season, it’s worth comparing the performances of Everton’s right-backs in the Premier League.
Premier League 24/25: Ashley Young vs Jake O’Brien
Match Stats ( = per game)*
| Stat | Young | O’Brien |
|---|---|---|
| Matches (starts) | 24 (17) | 10 (7) |
| Goals | 1 | 1 |
| Assists | 3 | 0 |
| Clean sheets | 6 | 2 |
| Touches* | 43.0 | 43.2 |
| Pass completion | 73% | 76% |
| Big chances created | 4 | 1 |
| Dribbles* | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Ball recoveries* | 2.2 | 3.8 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 2.9 | 1.6 |
| Clearances* | 2.0 | 4.8 |
| Duels (won)* | 3.3 (57%) | 4.1 (61%) |
Stats via Sofascore
As the data shows, O’Brien is proving to be a more reliable defender in duels and demonstrates confidence on the ball, matching Young’s involvement while excelling in clearances, a testament to his defensive prowess.
Coleman’s injury struggles have limited him to just two Premier League starts this season. With the club captain turning 37 in October, O’Brien’s emergence may signal the end of an era for Everton’s veteran defenders.
Both Coleman and Young are in the final months of their contracts, collectively earning £95k per week. While not a massive sum, it’s still a significant outlay for players whose roles are diminishing.
With Patterson aiming to return from his injury woes, there may no longer be room for the older generation in Everton’s new-look squad. Coleman has started just nine Premier League matches since the beginning of last season, and while Young continues to defy his age, O’Brien’s performances suggest he is ready to take over.
Toffees writer Ell Bretland noted that the “security of having O’Brien in there is ideal,” highlighting his growing importance to the team.
O’Brien was a standout performer for a struggling Lyon side last season, helping them avoid relegation after a dismal start. Now, at Everton, the Republic of Ireland international is proving to be a revelation, ready to take the baton from Young and Coleman and lead the Toffees into a new era.
Zeeboi
