Everton ace Tarkowski shares his expectations of Branthwaite

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Everton defender James Tarkowski has heaped praise on his teammate Jarrad Branthwaite.

Centre-back pair James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite both turned in fine performances as Everton secured their first Premier League win of the campaign so far against Brentford on Saturday.

Both defenders made crucial interventions at the back throughout the match to ensure that the Toffees returned to Goodison Park with three points in tow.

30-year-old Tarkowski is an experienced operator with years of Premier League football under his belt. However, 21-year-old Branthwaite is stilling getting to grips with being a regular starter in the top flight of English football.

Having impressed last season on loan with PSV Eindhoven, Sean Dyche integrated Branthwaite back into his first team squad this summer. The England under-21 international quickly usurped Michael Keane in the starting XI and is rapidly improving alongside Tarkowski in the heart of the Toffees’ rearguard.

Branthwaite has a bright future

The former Carlisle United man clearly has plenty of potential. Tarkowski believes he has the capacity to shine at an even higher level than this. 

As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Tarkowski said of Branthwaite, “he’s calm, technically very good, physical and quick. He’s also got size. He’s got everything to go to the very top at the game, especially for his age. I didn’t see too much of him last season, so this was my first real look and I’ve been really impressed.”

Dyche will be hoping that Branthwaite can continue to grow and develop as a player throughout the season, though Everton may soon find that they face a tough task in keeping him at the club.

Manchester United considered making a move for the youngster in the recent summer transfer window and it surely can’t be too long before plenty of other potential suitors start to seriously consider swooping for the player.

For now, though, Branthwaite needs to keep his focus fixed firmly on continuing to impress for Everton, as the club will need him to be at their best if they’re to avoid a relegation scrap this season.