Everton told they have an ‘outstanding’ star who can reach the ‘very, very top’

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Micah Richards has topped one Everton youngster to reach the ‘very, very top’.

Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day 2, the former defender hailed Jarrad Branthwaite as ‘absolutely outstanding’.

Jarrad Branthwaite has been an absolute revelation for Everton this season, earning himself a new contract after looking like he could have been on his way out in the summer.

The centre-back really impressed during a loan spell with PSV last season and was tipped to make his move permanent, while Manchester United had also been linked.

However, Branthwaite was eventually brought into the starting line-up in place of the struggling Michael Keane and hasn’t looked back since.

The 21-year-old has played a vital part in the Toffees’ transformation in recent months, claiming six clean sheets in their last ten games, while they haven’t conceded a single goal this month.

Branthwaite put on another quality performance during Everton’s 2-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend – making three clearances, three interceptions and four tackles, whilst also winning six of the seven ground duels he competed in.

Branthwaite only looks to be getting better under Sean Dyche, and Micah Richards is one of many people to notice it.

Speaking on MOTD2, Richards said: “We’re not blessed with great centre-halves at this moment in time, I just thought he was absolutely outstanding, if he carries this on, he’s going to the very, very top.

“He slips here and has he got the recovery pace, in the Premier League against Broja, of course he has. You always want your centre-back to have good positioning, he’s got that at just 21 years of age. The covering round is perfect, and these are just the details.

“This is top defending, you see the celebration, you see what it means to him and I’m excited about him, I really am.”

Can Jarrad Branthwaite get into the England team now?

Everton’s backline have undeniably improved since Jarrad Branthwaite has come into the team, while his relationship and mentoring from James Tarkowski has definitely helped him too.

The 21-year-old has easily been one of the best central defenders in the Premier League this season and it surely can’t be too long before he is considered for an England call-up.

Like Micah Richards said, the Three Lions lack real quality in that position at the minute and it surely wouldn’t be that difficult for Branthwaite to force his way into the picture.

If he keeps playing the way he has, then there is no reason why he can’t be challenging for a seat on the plane to Germany for next summer’s EURO 2024 tournament.