Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has shared the pre-season instructions he was given by Sean Dyche.
Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite will be aiming for a breakout season at Everton this time around. The 21-year-old has made a good start in this regard, having been brought into the Toffees’ starting XI against Wolves, and then keeping his place for the clash with Sheffield United.
Branthwaite is likely to be given the nod by Sean Dyche again when Everton welcome Arsenal to Goodison Park this afternoon.
The youngster enjoyed an excellent loan spell with PSV Eindhoven last season. He managed 27 Eredivisie appearances, garnering vital experience that will be important for him to draw upon throughout this season on Merseyside.
He also enjoyed a successful summer, as he was part of the England squad that triumphed at the under-21 European Championships.
Branthwaite rising to Dyche’s challenge
Having impressed in the Netherlands, he returned to Everton this summer well-placed to challenge the likes of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski for a starting berth.
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Branthwaite has now revealed what Dyche told him during in pre-season. As quoted by The Liverpool Echo, “when I came back the message was to come into pre-season and show the quality I had and fight my way into the team.”
“I had to stay patient at the start of the season not starting but now I’m in the team I have to keep working hard, keep showing the quality I have and hopefully cement my spot in the team…You have got to have high standards in training to show the manager you are good enough to be in there.”
So far, Branthwaite has indicated he has what it takes to make himself a key figure at Goodison Park. Certainly, given the poor form of Keane, has now has the chance to make a spot in the starting XI his own for the long term.
Keeping the youngster at the club could prove to be a challenge for Everton, though. As reported by the Daily Mail, Manchester United considered making a move for the player in the recent summer transfer window. The Toffees could find themselves having to fend off serious offers for Branthwaite before long.