Graeme Souness has tipped Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite for big things next year.
Jarrad Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle United in January 2020, but didn’t make his debut for another seven months. The defender went onto make only another 15 appearances for the senior team before he was loaned out to PSV.
The 21-year-old made a surprise impact on the Eredivisie, becoming a regular for the Dutch giants and eventually winning the KNVB Cup.
PSV were eager to bring Branthwaite back permanently in the summer, while Manchester United were another club said to be interested in snapping him up.
Everton eventually tied him down to a new deal though and he has since become a pivotal part of the club’s resurgence in recent months.
The centre-back now has 19 appearances to his name this term, while he has also picked up six clean sheets in the process.
Branthwaite is extremely highly-rated at Goodison Park and has caught the eye of Graeme Souness, who has claimed that the youngster is ‘grasping the art of defending’.
Naming his ‘five stars to watch in 2024’ for the Daily Mail, Souness said: “Here is a young defender, 21 years old, who has the full range of qualities – physique, pace and ability on the ball. And he looks like he can really defend in the left-sided centre half position. If he’s showing that ability at this age, it’s a good sign.
“At centre back, I always wanted experienced players, because any mistake they make generally leads to an effort on your goal – be it a shot or a header. But this boy already looks to be grasping the art of defending.
“As a left-footed centre half, he takes the ball on his left and opens the pitch up, which I like.
“Given England’s situation at the back – where they are not overwhelmed with left-sided defenders, six months out from the Euros, Branthwaite could still push himself into contention.
“There’s no telling, as a manager, which young players will do the job for you. You can have them training with the first team and playing in the reserves, but put them on a pitch on Saturday afternoon in front of 50,000 people and it can be too much for them.
“Others just relish being in the first team and are telling you: ‘This is my stage. Let me off the leash.’ Branthwaite is in the second category. His physical attributes and handling of the ball suggest he might be a star.”
How important is Jarrad Branthwaite?
Everton have definitely reaped the rewards of sending Jarrad Branthwaite on loan to a top European club last season, with the 21-year-old becoming one of their best players since returning in the summer.
Branthwaite has completed the most interceptions per game in the squad (1.8), the most clearances PG (4.6) and the second-most shots blocked in total (12).
The defender has been brilliant and there is a real case for him to be in the next England squad, with options in that position pretty limited.
Harry Maguire’s form has been up and down, while John Stones has really struggled with injuries so far. The likes of Ezri Konsa, Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi are also yet to nail down a regular place for the national team.
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