James Tarkowski says Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is even better than Manchester United legend

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Everton are gearing themselves up for a huge April which has a daunting run of fixtures ahead for the Toffees.

David Moyes will be hoping none of his international players return with any fresh injury issues from the first break of the year.

There has been some positive news, though, with Dwight McNeil returning to Everton training following his long period on the sidelines.

Everton are on a stunning nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, but that will be put to the test over the next month.

Fortunately, a number of the Everton players have stepped up to the mark since Moyes’ appointment.

James Tarkowski even thinks Everton have a player in Jarrad Branthwaite who is better than one of the best the country has ever produced.

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James Tarkowski rates Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite higher than Rio Ferdinand

Tarkowski has already praised Jake O’Brien as an absolute ‘monster’ following his fine run of form in the Premier League.

And it seems the praise for his defensive teammates is not ending just there.

Speaking to Mail Sport, Tarkowski was involved in a game of winner stays on where he chose between two players.

When it came to picking between Branthwaite and Rio Ferdinand, the Everton captain selected his centre-back partner.

However, when it came to picking between himself and Branthwaite, Tarkowski backed his own ability.

England fans have backed Branthwaite for a call-up to the national side in June after watching Dan Burn’s debut against Albania.

Going off Tarkowski’s response, Branthwaite should really be a shoo-in with the 23-year-old rated above the England legend, Ferdinand.

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What Rio Ferdinand said about Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton are keen to hand Branthwaite a new contract with Ferdinand’s old club Manchester United keen to sign him.

Since returning from injury earlier in the season, Branthwaite has nailed down his spot in the starting XI on Merseyside.

Branthwaite has formed a solid partnership at the back with Tarkowski who can boast one of the best records in the Premier League.

On the back of his solid season, Ferdinand has praised Branthwaite as he continues to excel at the back for the Toffees.

“I was thinking the exact same thing. Very clean off his left foot,” said Ferdinand.

“Hasn’t really given much away today, broke the lines on a number of occasions with some real crispy, nice passes.”