Jake O'Brien: Irish media react to Everton star's 'over the top' award after 100% display

Jake O'Brien featured throughout and was awarded player of the match as the Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Canada on Saturday.

The Everton defender scored an own-goal in the first half, before Chiedozie Ogbene converted the rebound after Troy Parrott missed a second-half penalty.

Canada are due to kick off their World Cup campaign next week, while Ireland will be forced to sit and watch this summer.

O'Brien featured at centre-back for his nation, and his stats do beg the question about if he should continue there for Everton.

With both James Tarkowski and Michael Keane coming towards the closing stages of their careers, David Moyes must begin to future-proof his defence.

Irish media question Jake O'Brien award

Everton's links to Aaron Wan-Bissaka could open up the possibility of O'Brien moving into the centre of defence.

The 25-year-old initially impressed there in France with Lyon, before he was signed by the Toffees.

And there have been brief periods in which Moyes has chosen to deploy O'Brien in the middle, with his Everton form not suffering as a result.

Jarrad Branthwaite's injuries have provided need for invention at times, but it is clear that more depth is need this summer.

Luckily, the Toffees were handed another example of O'Brien's ability to play in the middle of defence on Saturday.

While his own-goal was unlucky, the Everton man made several key defensive contributions. Four blocks, five clearances, three recoveries and 100 per cent of his aerial duels won.

The Irishman was awarded with the player of the match award for his efforts, but Irish outlet Balls were apprehensive.

"Gave away the corner that led to the opener, though he was unfortunate to see the ball ricochet off him and into the back of the net," they wrote, awarding him with a six out of 10.

"Other than the goal, he was assured defensively, making some key clearances and blocks to deny some Canadians from scoring. O’Brien was awarded the RTE Man of the Match which did seem a tad over the top."

Everton in desperate need of defensive solution

Everton have been in need of defensive reinforcements in the transfer window for several years.

Branthwaite's injuries have only intensified the demand this summer, however, with Keane and Tarkowski bound to slow down at some stage.

Seamus Coleman has departed the club and could be joined by Nathan Patterson, with it being a strong possibility that three new defenders are needed by Moyes.

The arrival of new full-backs could pave the way for O'Brien in the centre of defence, marking an opportunity for him to reach a new level.