Everton now officially have one of the very best youngsters in world football in their squad

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Everton have had little to shout about throughout this, one of the toughest seasons the club has ever endured.

What has made the campaign so frustrating is that, on the pitch, there had largely been great progress. Especially before they embarked upon the winless run they are currently enduring, as it seemed that Sean Dyche had truly found his rhythm at Goodison Park and got a sorry bunch of players impressing at last.

Unsurprisingly, with a slight dent in confidence, the quality has fallen. It is quite ludicrous just how reliant on belief this playing staff is.

However, even with this current barren spell of form, were it not for their points deduction they would be well clear of the relegation zone.

Dropping into the Championship would be an afterthought, yet it is instead at the forefront of every fan’s mind.

So, as a sort of escape, any brief glimmer of positivity has been latched onto by Evertonians.

It is this dependence that will likely make Jarrad Branthwaite’s exit in the summer all the more tough to take.

Jarrad Branthwaite named on prestigious list

What’s more is that, as the season goes on, more and more casual fans seem to be taking note of Everton’s 21-year-old sensation, therefore adding to the growing list of suitors.

And now, his presence on ESPN’s top 39 best U21 men’s players in Europe is certain to draw a few more eyes to his game as the run-in draws closer.

Their assessment of him is rather appropriate too, and Branthwaite sits 36th, just one place behind Liverpool’s young star Harvey Elliott.

They write: ‘Aside from being a resolute defender who defends the box particularly well with blocks, headed clearances and well-timed tackles, Branthwaite also brings great presence and personality to the pitch.’

However, they also attest that improvement is needed: ‘Playing line-breaking passes out from the back is not a feature that his current manager Sean Dyche requires. Yet, when time comes — perhaps at an even bigger club — he could improve his confidence at playing out from the back without losing possession.’

Confirming what Everton fans already knew

Well, ESPN has hardly broken new ground with this news.

In fact, Evertonians have been preparing for this emergence for years now, arguably ever since Branthwaite joined under Carlo Ancelotti’s reign.

The Italian was full of praise for the towering teenager, and everyone who spoke about him was supremely complimentary.

So, to see him finally shine for the first team this season has been rewarding for those who have followed his career with interest.

It feels somewhat frustrating that only now, just as he has earned his big breakthrough in the Premier League, he will likely leave for greener pastures. And who could blame him?