This 24-Year-Old Is Not The Perfect Man For Right-Back For Everton: Why The Toffees Need An Upgrade? | OneFootball

Everton have built depth in several areas of the pitch, yet the right-back position still causes problems for them at crucial moments. Supporters have long seen that without a natural option on this side of defence, the team lacks balance. This weakness becomes more noticeable as the club pushes for European qualification.

Every squad that wants to progress needs stability on the flanks to stop opposition attacks and to provide width going forward. Everton’s defenders work hard to stay compact, but the absence of a reliable right-back shows up in matches where they need defensive cover and attacking options.

That role matters because a true right-back does more than defend. He protects the channel with tackles and positioning, but he also overlaps, supports attacks, and delivers crosses. Without such a player, Iliman Ndiaye and Tyler Dibling often lose the support needed to stretch opponents and create space.

The Toffees, for now, turn to short-term fixes. Séamus Coleman, who gave so many years of service, cannot carry the load at 36 as injuries reduce his impact. The fans expected Nathan Patterson to be the long-term answer, but inconsistency and repeated setbacks have slowed his progress. He has attacking qualities, but he has not imposed himself as a first-choice defender. That leaves him facing questions about his future.

Why are the stopgap solutions not enough for Everton?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Jake O’Brien of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Other options reveal the scale of the problem. Jake O’Brien deserves credit for filling in out of position, and his effort shows commitment, but he still looks like a centre-back asked to play wide. The 24-year-old can defend strongly in central areas, yet he lacks the instincts to overlap or create from the flank, which isolates the right-sided attackers.

The Irishman’s errors in wide areas cost the team, which shows why he cannot be a permanent solution for a club with ambitions of climbing the table. Ashley Young has already left, while James Garner continues to step in where needed, though his qualities belong in central midfield rather than full-back. These players offer temporary cover, so they cannot provide a long-term fix.

Everton look more organised under Sean Dyche and David Moyes, yet their failure to create chances down the right limits their attacking threat. A reliable right-back would strengthen that flank, add balance, and improve forward play. David Moyes might want to address this in January.

With ambitions of European football, Everton cannot ignore the position. We reported earlier that Everton want to sign Sergio Reguilón for free, which would add depth to the defence, while we also revealed that Manchester United are preparing a £65 million bid for Jarrad Branthwaite. These transfer stories show Everton are at the centre of major moves, but their most urgent task remains clear. Unless they fix the right-back problem, the team will keep a weakness that could damage their progress and block their push for consistency.