Everton boss Sean Dyche has praised 21-year-old defender Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of Sunday’s game against Arsenal.
Indeed, Dyche insists that the young centre-back is a ‘good player’ but states that he does not want to over-coach him at this stage of his development.
Branthwaite put in a Player of the Match display last month as Everton fell to a 1-0 defeat to Wolves and was a bright spark on an otherwise miserable afternoon.
The 21-year-old will likely face a stern test against the Gunners on Sunday, and Sean Dyche says he wants the young defender to be ‘absorbing his own performances’.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference reported via Everton’s official YouTube channel, Dyche said of the centre-back: “Part of the learning curve with goalkeepers and defenders is they mature later and their knowledge improves.
That’s where he’s at, he’s a good player but it’s about game knowledge and being alive to the nuances. The tiny details that you learn from years of playing there, he’s made a strong start to what he’s about and he’s getting more affected because he needs to.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
We’re not over-coaching, giving him so much to take on. For now, it’s pointers and him absorbing his own performances.”
Branthwaite still has developing to do, but Everton can benefit
Jarrad Branthwaite had an impressive campaign last season during his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven and was linked with a permanent move to the Dutch giants.
Manchester United were also reportedly interested in the youngster, who tasted success with England U-21’s during the summer as Lee Carsley’s side lifted the U-21’s European Championships.
Indeed, the Carlisle-born defender looks set to have his breakthrough season in the Premier League with the Toffees this season and has so far looked to be a cut above Everton’s alternative defensive options.