Everton star told he was ‘brilliant’ as Gareth Southgate watched on v Aston Villa

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton were good value for their 0-0 draw against Aston Villa today.

They defended well and threatened in spells, but much like their opposition lacked the cutting edge needed to claim that vital goal.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin might have scored his chance, but equally Jordan Pickford was on hand to make a few smart first-half stops to keep the tie level.

However, those who arguably impressed most was the Toffees’ back four, all of whom defended doggedly to silence an attacking unit that have caused almost every other team problems this season.

Unsurprisingly, at the heart of that was Jarrad Branthwaite, who continues to make football look so easy despite his youth.

What did Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz say about Jarrad Branthwaite?

Well, Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz would seek to add to the ever-growing and already sprawling list of fans for the England U21 international, writing on the live commentary.

He lauded one moment of steely magic, then his work rate, before even highlighting a man of interest in the crowd: Gareth Southgate.

The journalist wrote: ‘Brilliant defending from Branthwaite there to deny Diaby getting closer to goal, then to get up to support Coleman in blocking the Watkins effort.

‘Not a bad afternoon to be performing well at the back, with the England manager watching from the stands…’.

How did Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite play vs Aston Villa?

Unsurprisingly, it was a commanding showing from Branthwaite, who earned particular praise in our post-match player ratings.

We, as are most other sections of the media, are running out of superlatives to describe this mature 21-year-old with the world at his feet.

It is no surprise that his list of suitors grows, as his confidence and quality only does too.

Today marked a mere continuation of his imperious form, showcased through a number of fine figures posted against one of the Premier League’s top sides this season.

With five clearances, four tackles and two interceptions, it was a fine defensive showing only further emphasised by the fact that he won seven of the eight total duels he competed in, via Sofascore.

And yet, the youngster would combine that with a competency on the ball not seen since John Stones, as he sprayed about six accurate long balls from the nine he attempted.

A top-quality return from an exceptional defender, performances like this are becoming scarily regular for Branthwaite. Sean Dyche will surely be starting to worry about the likelihood of him sticking around at Goodison Park…