£35k-a-week ‘game-changer’ told he’s now become a ‘big player’ for Everton

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When it comes to success stories for Everton this season, they have actually been rather plentiful for a pleasant change.

After all, the bar had been set impossibly low after back-to-back relegation battles, and so anything above that was sure to be lauded by the fanbase.

However, that’s not to downplay the performances of Sean Dyche’s men, who have made clear progress under his unwavering leadership.

The likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Vitaliy Mykolenko have both benefitted from his presence, but the man who owes most of his success to the former Burnley man is Jarrad Branthwaite, who has finally been trusted in the first-team.

Whilst Frank Lampard flirted with the idea at times, there were always people seemingly ahead of the 21-year-old in the pecking order.

However, Dyche has put aside his biases to place the young centre-back alongside the composed titan James Tarkowski, and is now paying dividends.

The former Carlisle United man was subject to huge praise following Saturday’s win, with pundit Robbie Mustoe telling The 2 Robbies podcast: ‘Jarrad Branthwaite I thought was outstanding again, him and Tarkowski is a game-changer for Everton, that’s a game changer. Young player Branthwaite, I think he signed a new contract, big player for the future, excellent.

‘James Garner to your point and then Jack Harrison. They’re the three really in the team at the moment that’s different, that makes them a better side.’

How good is Jarrad Branthwaite?

Signing a new £35k-per-week long-term contract this campaign already emphasises the level of performances Branthwaite has posted, and has continued to post following putting pen to paper.

A resolute and mature colossus at the back, it is so easy to forget just how young he is given his size, pace, positional awareness and ability to clear his lines when the moment dictates.

More than capable in possession and boasting a fine first touch, his 78% pass accuracy in the Premier League perhaps belies just how competent on the ball he is.

However, what will please Dyche more than anything is his defensive figures, with the youngster managing 1.8 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 5.1 clearances and 7.4 ball recoveries per game too, via Sofascore.

With praise coming his way from all angles, and Mustoe just the latest in a long line of fans he continues to gain, Branthwaite is seemingly destined for the stars.

It seems Everton have done it again by nurturing another young English talent, and they will hope to keep hold of this one for a little while longer before the big boys inevitably come calling.