Everton boast a rich history of investing in youth, whether that be through scouting from the lower leagues or nurturing talent up through Finch Farm.
Their recent interest in a few European wonderkids is even indicative of that continuing trend, which Sean Dyche will be desperate to see succeed given the financial restraints he continues to suffer.
As such, he will have been delighted to see the progress of Jarrad Branthwaite, who was seemingly a readymade superstar following his side’s last-gasp Premier League survival last season.
With the 21-year-old out on loan upon his appointment, the former Carlisle United ace was allowed to thrive with PSV Eindhoven, nurturing his technical assets to turn him into a player more than capable of competing at the top level.
His current form stands as stunning proof of this.
By sending away a promising young centre-back, only to welcome them home and reap the rewards instantly, it is hard not to draw comparisons with Arsenal’s success earned with William Saliba.
How good is Jarrad Branthwaite?
Given how important the French colossus has become in north London, this marks paramount praise for the England U21 international.
However, it is certainly praise well-earned, given his form this campaign.
Having made ten appearances in the Premier League, Branthwaite is averaging 2.1 tackles 5.1 clearances and 7.5 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore. It should come as no surprise that Alan Shearer has already lauded him, branding the titan ‘magnificent at the back’ just last month.
To compare these figures with Saliba’s, it is clear there are similarities between the two aside from just their blistering speed and towering frames.
Mikel Arteta’s star defender is recording a 94% pass accuracy of his own this term, alongside two clearances and 5.8 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore. The foundation for his form was certainly laid with his loan spells with Saint-Etienne, OGC Nice and Marseille.
What perhaps allows Branthwaite to stand out among Saliba is the fact he was signed for just £1m, whilst the Gunners forked out £27m for the former Saint-Etienne man.
Although he is probably a level above Everton’s £35k-per-week stopper at the moment, the sky truly is the limit for the future of their backline.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
