Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite has been a revelation this season, and he has now praised one of his teammates for helping him settle into the first team.
The 21-year-old was on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season, where he shone in the second half of the season before returning to Goodison Park.
Despite the team’s struggles, his talent has been clear for all to see, and he is now attracting interest from clubs near the top of the table.
Branthwaite has now named James Tarkowski as a member of the squad who has helped him with his development.
Branthwaite praises Tarkowski
Speaking to the Everton club website, Branthwaite praised Tarkowski’s professionalism, and claimed that it was helpful to play alongside him in the back line.
“Tarky’s a real leader and talks you through the game. As a young centre-back, having experience next to you helps massively – in moments of difficulty or when you need a bit of motivation to keep going,” he stated.
“I watch how Tarky trains, how he handles himself. He’s in the gym all the time and keeping himself in good condition.
“That’s what you’ve got to do to be at the top of your game in every game. I started to look after myself more during the loan but even more so this season – keeping on top of my physical health and concentrating on what is going to make you better.”
A partnership that should be succeeding?
On paper, a defensive partnership of Tarkowski and Branthwaite looks strong, with a good blend of experience and youth and enough quality compared to other teams lower down the table.
However, Everton have struggled defensively at times, particularly from set pieces, and whilst the pair are not wholly to blame, there is not yet a solid enough base to help propel the team to positive results.
The two are Everton’s best options at the back, and hopefully in time they can blossom into a strong partnership, but it is arguable that so far, their individual quality currently exceeds their productivity as a unit.
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