Everton’s 20-year-old defender Jarrad Branthwaite has impressed during his loan spell at Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, but Sean Dyche could be the ideal manager to allow the centre-back to flourish once he returns to Goodison Park this summer.
The Cumbrian-born defender has become an integral part of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s PSV side, making 29 outings in all competitions for the Dutch giants, scoring four goals.
Indeed, as reported in Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur van Nistelrooy has made his desire to keep Branthwaite permanently very clear, they also suggest that Manchester United and Liverpool could make an approach in the summer.
However, Goodison Park would be the perfect place for the England U21 star to develop as a defender, especially with Sean Dyche in the dugout.
Everton began the 2022/23 campaign with a plethora of defenders, but the numbers at the back look set to be cut this summer. Yerry Mina’s contract is up, and both Michael Keane and Mason Holgate have been linked with moves elsewhere.
Meanwhile, there is no guarantee that Conor Coady’s loan from Wolves will be made permanent, especially as he seems to have fallen down Dyche’s pecking order.
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An impressive loan spell and less competition for places could pave the way for Branthwaite to take up a place next to the formidable James Tarkowski, who is just one example of a defender who has flourished under Sean Dyche’s coaching.
Dyche could get the best out of Branthwaite
Indeed, Tarks was an integral member of Dyche’s Burnley side and has been Everton’s best performing defender this season. Michael Keane is another defender whose best years came under Sean Dyche, having struggled to live up to expectations following his £30m move to Goodison in 2017.
The obdurate Ben Mee, who spent a decade under Dyche’s stewardship, developed into one of the most consistent defenders in the league.
The Everton boss has a track record of developing raw, prodigious defenders and that is exactly what Jarrad Branthwaite is. Michael Keane and James Tarkowski have both been capped by their country, and Ben Mee has been unfortunate not to.
Everton may well look to cash in on the young defender in the summer, should a suitable offer arrive, but Branthwaite would do well to look at Dyche’s track record.
Everton could have a serious talent on their hands, and if he remains at the Toffees, it will be interesting to watch how he develops under Sean Dyche.