Jamie Carragher says Everton have a ‘really special’ player who has been ‘outstanding’ this season

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Everton’s wait for their first Premier League win of 2024 continues after Sean Dyche’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Place.

Amadou Onana’s towering header cancelled out Jordan Ayew’s crisp finish to pull the Toffees out of the relegation zone, having played one more game than Luton Town.

Ahead of the game on Monday, Jamie Carragher took a deep dive into Everton’s season to date and was in awe of one player in particular.

Jamie Carragher praises ‘special’ Everton player

Everton’s defensive record has been the cornerstone of their success this season, with Sean Dyche’s side amassing the second-most clean sheets in the league behind Arsenal.

James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite’s contributions have been essential in recent weeks.

The pair formed a resolute partnership throughout the season, and Carragher singled out one who had caught his eye.

Talking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, the Liverpool legend believes Branthwaite is a “special” talent.

“I think he is [special]. And what is also special is the number of centre-backs we have in the Premier League aged 21 or younger,” said Carragher.

“I remember being a young lad going in myself at Liverpool, and it’s an unforgiven position; I had to go to full-back for the next three or four years and then go back to centre-back, so you can see the quality we have.”

If Everton stay up, Carragher believes the former Carlisle youngster will be a big part of why the club avoided the drop.

He added: “Branthwaite has been outstanding; Murillo, I think, has been outstanding.

“But I think this lad has been pretty special, and he’s a big part of why, in my eyes, Everton still has a great chance of staying up, him and his partnership with Tarkowski.”

Can Everton keep Jarrad Branthwaite?

If Branthwaite’s form continues, interest will heat up heading into the summer.

Young ball-playing central defenders are hard to come by, making the 21-year-old an attractive proposition for some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Luckily, if he does depart, Everton could land a healthy fee. The Ipaper claim the defender is valued at over £100million, which could put off those who show concrete interest.

However, CBS journalist Ben Jacobs believes a bidding war could be in store.

Talking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “I” think that there is going to be a bidding war, in many ways, during the summer.

“I think Tottenham will be there, and we know that Real Madrid have looked in the past as well.

“Homegrown players are also a key focus, so Branthwaite ticks a lot of boxes, especially with him being a left-sided centre-back.”

Branthwaite’s future could turn into one of the stories of the summer window, irrespective of Everton’s league status.