Jarrad Branthwaite was poached by Everton for just £1m three years ago… now he looks like an England player for the future after maturing into one of the Premier League’s most complete young defenders

The Everton star continued to impress in Sean Dyche’s side at the weekend
Jarrad Branthwaite only moved to Goodison Park in a £1m deal three years ago
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Everton have made an unwanted habit in recent years of spending big on players who don’t provide a return on investment. But now they have a diamond in the rough at the back to buck that trend.

Jarrad Branthwaite was poached for just £1million from Carlisle three years ago and is maturing into one of the most complete young defenders in the Premier League. At the rate he is developing this season, it would be no surprise to see a Big Six club come calling soon.

Manchester United have already shown an interest in the 6ft 5in left-sided defender, but Everton fans will hope they can keep Branthwaite for a season or two more at least, with the 21-year-old proving a formidable defensive partner to the experienced James Tarkowski.

Everton could not see out the match to claim a valuable three points on Saturday but they limited a talented Brighton side to few chances and were only undone by a cruel deflected own goal when Ashley Young diverted in Kaoru Mitoma’s attempted cross.

Albion had 80 per cent possession but could not break down the royal blue wall of Tarkowski and Branthwaite, with Young and goalscorer Vitalii Mykolenko in inspired form too.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite (right) is is maturing into one of the most complete young defenders in the Premier League

Branthwaite joined Everton for just £1million from Carlisle three years ago

Everton are forming a strong defensive partnership between Branthwaite and James Tarkowski (second from left)

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Tarkowski’s performances are going under the radar this season but Branthwaite is the name on most fans’ lips. Would it be too premature to talk about a potential call-up to England’s senior squad ahead of the Euros?

He has impressed for the Under 21s and there is no reason why Branthwaite should not fancy his chances. John Stones is nailed on to start most matches but the spot next to him feels up for grabs.

Left-footed Branthwaite is confident in possession and shows all the attributes of a modern-day defender but is also something of a throwback. He is physical and relishes battling big forwards, while his positioning and awareness are improving.

Everton manager Sean Dyche praised the recent performances of Branthwaite

‘You can never define someone’s character but even last season, speaking to him on the phone a couple of times, I could tell he was very level and enjoying the experience (on loan at PSV),’ said Everton boss Sean Dyche.

‘He seemed to be quite an assured character, quite calm. I like that in all players but particularly in centre halves. His adaptation to Premier League football has been clear. He continues to improve and physically he is good.

‘He is playing in front of a very good goalkeeper (Jordan Pickford) and a very good centre half next to him in Tarkowski, which helps as well. Youngy was playing next to him too, an older head speaking to him all the time, so these are the things which improve you.

‘But a lot of credit to him for taking it on himself. The main focus for him is keep doing what he’s doing. He’s enjoying it.’

MATCH FACTS AND RATINGS

EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Pickford 6; Young 7 (Patterson 90min), Tarkowski 8.5, Branthwaite 8, Mykolenko 8; Garner 7, Gueye 7; Harrison 7, Doucoure 7.5, McNeil 7.5; Calvert-Lewin 7 (Beto 90).

Scorer: Mykolenko 7.

Booked: Gueye, Doucoure, Branthwaite, Tarkowski.

Manager: Sean Dyche 7.5.

BRIGHTON (4-3-3): Verbruggen 6; Veltman 5, Van Hecke 6, Dunk 5, Milner 6 (Buonanotte 79); Gross 6, Gilmour 5 (Dahoud 68, 6), Lallana 5 (Pedro 46, 6); Adingra 6 (Julio 90), Ferguson 6 (Fati 67, 6), Mitoma 7.

Scorer: Young 84 (og).

Booked: Gilmour, Dunk.

Manager: Roberto De Zerbi 6.5.

Referee: Tim Robinson 4. Attendance: 38,683

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