James Tarkowski admits Jarrad Branthwaite has learnt something which he simply can not do

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Everton’s international break has largely been dominated by one man, despite having had many players sent out to feature for their various countries.

After all, it is always a privilege to see one of their own players make the step up to play for England, to show the rest of the nation what Evertonians have been saying for years now.

However, inexplicably, Jarrad Branthwaite had earned his call-up yet did not feature at all across either of the two friendlies, despite Gareth Southgate having ample opportunities to bring him on.

He was one of few players in the entire camp to be completely snubbed, and understandably left many frustrated.

However, it may well add fuel to his already-blazing fire, and send him back to Merseyside with a new point to prove.

James Tarkowski, who is a huge fan of Branthwaite’s, will likely be questioning the decision more than most.

James Tarkowski on Jarrad Branthwaite

Speaking to Everton’s official YouTube channel, in a video published earlier today, the veteran central defender sought to answer as many fan questions as possible within a seven-minute video.

And focusing on Branthwaite, one supporter questioned whether he had, in fact, learned anything from the 21-year-old, rather than it having been the other way around as is often expected.

His answer was rather surprising, admitting a major deficiency he struggles with, but his defensive teammate is already excelling at.

Tarkowski noted: ‘He plays so maturely and so calmly. I wish I would have learnt that so young as well. I’m still sort of taking it on from him because when he receives the ball he looks so composed and moves it.

‘I wish I could be a bit more like that in my game. When I’m defending a lot of the time I can get a little bit carried away on the ball, so probably Jarrad’s composure and calmness really.’

Everton are blessed with a great defensive foundation

With these two at the back, Everton are incredibly blessed in at least one department.

For a side battling relegation to have two truly outstanding players in one area is crucial, and could prove pivotal in beating out the likes of Nottingham Forest and Luton Town for survival.

This season, despite their struggles, Sean Dyche has managed to conjure up a team with the fourth-best defensive record in the entire Premier League, with only the top three having conceded fewer goals.

As such, Jordan Pickford is behind only David Raya for clean sheets too, further emphasising the importance of Branthwaite and Tarkowski.

Despite rumours persisting linking the former with a move away from Goodison Park, Dyche will want to keep this partnership together for as long as possible and use it as the foundation with which to build a stable, brighter future at Everton following this torrid campaign.