John Aldridge has never been shy of upsetting the Everton faithful, having traded blows with their superteam during the 1980s, winning as many as he lost.
However, his latest claim is set to command even more anger, with the 21-year-old imploring his beloved Reds to sign their rivals’ ‘best player’ in Jarrad Branthwaite .
In the wake of a contentious Merseyside derby, in which the Anfield outfit ran out narrow 2-0 winners amidst another officiating controversy, the former forward is seeking to rub salt into the wounds with such a claim.
Especially given how imperious the 21-year-old was during that clash, holding his own against some of the world’s finest attacking talent in another unflinching defensive performance.
In his piece for the Liverpool ECHO, Aldridge started by suggesting ‘I don’t want to upset any Evertonians’, before outlining a notion that is certain to frustrate the entire fanbase.
‘Salah may have been the headline-grabber, but it was Jarrad Branthwaite who stood out the most at Anfield,’ he wrote. ‘I think he is a really good player. I first saw him play in a mini derby at Finch Farm a few years ago and he caught my eye then. He enjoyed a successful loan spell abroad at PSV Eindhoven last season and looks like a real talent.
‘Whether Liverpool would buy from Everton is another matter as it rarely happens, but I certainly think he has got the ability to go on and become a leading figure and a starter for England.’
His concluding statement would add further justification, claiming: ‘A left-sided centre-back is something we were in the market for during the summer transfer window, which we didn’t end up signing in the end. If we were to make a move for Branthwaite, he would probably cost a significant amount due to the English premium that we so often see in the game.
‘Coming to Liverpool would be hard for the lad, it takes a bit of doing to make that switch across Stanley Park. I don’t want to upset anyone, I will stress that again, but I think he has a really bright future.’
How good is Jarrad Branthwaite?
Whilst Saturday’s clash seemingly marked the first time that Liverpool fans have been alerted to Branthwaite’s talent, Evertonians have been singing his praises for years now even before his successful loan spell with PSV Eindhoven.
After all, standing at 6 foot 5 but boasting a blistering turn of pace, the former Carlisle United giant already had all the physical attributes needed to succeed, with Sean Dyche putting them to good use this campaign.
Now, with his experience within the Premier League now growing, his technical skillset and game intelligence are set to soar alongside these aforementioned assets.
Already he is thriving at the top level, with his 82% pass accuracy in the league indicative of someone supremely comfortable on the ball.
More impressively, he has combined that with 2.1 tackles, 4.3 clearances and 8.3 ball recoveries per game (via Sofascore), drawing praise from journalist Henry Winter: “But a nod to Jarrad Branthwaite superb at the back under pressure for #EFC. Only 21.”
A move across Stanley Park could be beneficial for Branthwaite’s aspirations of playing at the elite level, but hugely detrimental to his stock at Goodison Park.
He would become a pariah, and a man forever etched into the history books as a villain alongside the likes of Abel Xavier and Nick Barmby.
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