‘Aggressive’ star has been Everton’s real Player of the Season so far

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Everton’s end-of-season awards for the 2022/23 season seemed somewhat obsolete, given there was little from that torrid campaign worth celebrating.

Jordan Pickford earned the Player of the Season award, whilst Seamus Coleman took home the Goal of the Season for his strike against Leeds United.

And yet, the players were presented with their trophies in training, playing down the importance of an accolade that was essentially celebrating personal success across a year of abject failure.

So, given the new-found positivity that has crept into Goodison Park of late, it marked the perfect time for The Athletic’s recent article detailing who each journalist thought the Player of the Season should be for their respective clubs.

Paddy Boyland, as their Everton expert, detailed the following after selecting Jarrad Branthwaite: ‘Such has been the 21-year-old’s impact, even Sean Dyche has been uncharacteristically effusive in his praise. The Everton manager described Branthwaite’s performance in the recent 1-0 away win at West Ham United as “immense” and more recently labelled him a “physical specimen”.

‘Branthwaite has slotted in seamlessly since his return from a successful loan at PSV Eindhoven last season. Quick across the ground, comfortable with both feet and able to step into midfield where necessary, he has added a new dimension to Everton’s defensive play.’

However, it could be argued that his partner in crime, James Tarkowski, is perhaps the more deserving candidate, even if he has been quick to laud his young teammate.

How good is James Tarkowski?

Whilst Boyland’s points are all more than valid, with the shock factor at just how good Branthwaite has been likely playing a huge part in his selection, it would be unfair to dismiss his 30-year-old teammate.

After all, the steely centre-back should not be punished for his immense consistency.

It is a testament to his talent that Sofascore have handed him the highest Premier League rating of anyone within Everton’s squad, with his 7.33 average rating buoyed by his one goal alongside 1.5 interceptions, 3.7 clearances and 4.4 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

So often he is in the right place at the right time to snuff out danger, and without his combative presence, Branthwaite would surely not be thriving as much as he currently is.

Especially given how brutal he can often be in the tackle, with his ‘aggressive’ play style lauded just last year by journalist Josh Bunting.

To further emphasise just how impressive the former Burnley colossus is, when compared to other centre-backs across Europe he sits in the top 10% for shots per 90, as well as the top 9% for aerials won per 90 and the top 1% for blocks made per 90, via FBref.

There are few on the continent as impressively solid as Tarkowski, and without him as a defensive leader, much of the success Dyche has earned would not have come to fruition.