Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has recalled his first ever conversation with manager Sean Dyche.
Jarrad Branthwaite is enjoying a breakout season at Everton. The 21-year-old defender has been one of the few bright spots for the Toffees in recent weeks.
After usurping Michael Keane in the starting XI with just a few Premier League matches played, Branthwaite hasn’t looked back. Despite his youth, he plays with great maturity. He is also technically excellent on the ball, extremely two-footed, and has the physicality required to thrive in the Premier League.
The England under-21 international clearly benefitted hugely from his loan stint with PSV Eindhoven last season. Branthwaite enjoyed regular football with the Dutch club, making 27 Eredivisie appearances.
It was during his time in the Netherlands that Sean Dyche first made contact with Branthwaite. The manager had clearly recognised that the player could play a role for the Merseyside outfit upon his return to Goodison Park.
Dyche had a plan for Branthwaite
Branthwaite has now recalled this conversation. Speaking to the official Everton website, he said, “I was just getting out of the shop in Holland doing my food shopping! It was a nice call to have. It showed he had me in his thoughts for the next season. It wasn’t really about football, he was more just seeing how I was finding things. It gave me a lot of positive thoughts going into this year.”
“It’s nice you’ve got a coach who knows your position and has tips that can help you get better. He keeps reminding me of the basics – doing them well is the most important thing as a defender.”
Dyche certainly knows what it takes to excel in the heart of a defensive unit. In his own playing days, he made over 500 appearances at club level. Branthwaite can learn a lot from the coach, and his time working under Dyche will certainly form a crucial part of his footballing education.
One challenge Everton may soon face is in trying to keep Branthwaite at the club. According to the Daily Mail both Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in securing his services for themselves.
However, Branthwaite certainly shouldn’t entertain making any such move in the upcoming January transfer window. He is playing regularly for Everton, and will be learning and developing week in, week out. Learning how to scrap, how to cope with pressure, how to shine in a struggling side. He is exactly where he needs to be at this point in his career.
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