Jake O’Brien: How the Irish media reacted to Everton star’s performance in narrow win vs Qatar
Jake O’Brien played the full 90 minutes away from Everton on Thursday as the Republic of Ireland narrowly beat Qatar 1-0 at Aviva Stadium.
The game’s only goal came in the fifth minute when Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins headed home, but it would not remain comfortable for long.
Moments before the break, Lincoln City’s Jack Moylan was controversially shown a red card for a coming together, forcing Ireland to play the remainder of the game with 10 men.
O’Brien enjoyed a strong season for the Toffees at right-back, and was situated on the right of a back-three on Thursday night.
Everton fans may well have been watching particularly closely, with Seamus Coleman also involved ahead of his departure from the club.
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VISIT THE EVERTON MATCH HUBIrish media laud Jake O’Brien
O’Brien could feature in the centre of defence for Everton next season, should the summer’s transfer business allow for it.
The 25-year-old is a natural central defender, although he has grown into the wider position since arriving on Merseyside.
| Jake O’Brien | Stats vs Qatar (H) |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 57/62 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
| Duels won | 2/5 |
Even situated in a back-three on Thursday, he found ways to get forward and create two chances for his teammates.
O’Brien’s defensive work was most impressive, though, the defender making a tackle, two clearances and three recoveries to earn his clean sheet.
The Irish media were full of praise for the Everton man, who has become one of the first names on Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team sheet.
The Irish Sun gave O’Brien a seven out of 10, and wrote that he “never put a foot wrong against a Qatar side who looked like they did not know how to ruffle him anyway in what is Ireland’s first choice backline.”
A win at the Aviva Stadium thanks to Nathan Collins’ first half header ☘️ pic.twitter.com/SS7dvo2ks0
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 28, 2026
Irish website, Balls, handed the defender a six out of 10 and picked out his long throws as a large part of his involvement.
Finally, the Irish Mirror also rewarded the 25-year-old with a seven out of 10, and wrote that he “dealt easily with anything the Qataris had to offer”.
O’Brien in incredible transfer rumour
Incredibly, O’Brien has been linked with a move to European giants Real Madrid this week – yes, you read that right.
Spanish outlet Fichajes reported that the 15-time Champions League winners see the Irishman as a cheaper option to improve squad depth and compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Jake O'Brien scored his first goal for the Blues in our last trip to Brentford! 💪 pic.twitter.com/3XDPS2qHib
— Everton (@Everton) April 9, 2026
Everton will certainly not let O’Brien go for cheap, however, and it seems likely that Real Madrid would be capable of finding more natural competition for their right-back.
But stranger things have happened, and it cannot be ruled out that O’Brien is seen lining up in the famous white at the Bernabeu next season.
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