Mark Travers became Everton’s third summer signing last week – and he has already spoken very highly of one of his new teammates.
Travers has joined Everton from Bournemouth, with the Toffees thought to have paid around £4 million (via The Athletic).
It was a necessary move from Everton.
Both Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia left the club at the end of their contracts, so Jordan Pickford needed new cover and competition.
Travers will play second fiddle to Pickford, who is undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
But he will certainly try to push him as hard as possible, in the hope of seeing some game time.
Travers – who impressed on his debut against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday – has talked up Pickford after training with him for most of last week.
But there is also another player who has caught the Irishman’s eye.
Mark Travers excited to play with Jarrad Branthwaite as he praises Everton over contract decision
It will be important for Travers to have a strong relationship with the centre-backs of the club.
We have seen for some time now how Pickford has an excellent relationship with Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski.
And arguably, that trident being as strong as it was last season ultimately meant Everton had no relegation worries in the end.
Branthwaite is a player Travers is really looking forward to playing behind, saying as quoted by the Liverpool Echo: “From the outside looking in, I know over the last few years what an important player Jarrad has been and how good he has been for Everton.
“For him to commit his future is huge, he’s a massive quality to have at the club and it’s a real step in the right direction.”
Travers also said of Branthwaite and also his compatriot Jake O’Brien: “They’re two giants at the back and very strong defensively, so it will be great to play alongside them and learn from them as well.”
- READ MORE: Winners and loser of Jarrad Branthwaite’s new Everton contract include the Friedkin Group
New Branthwaite contract was huge statement by Everton
Given how many clubs have had eyes on Branthwaite, it was a huge boost for the club when he signed a new contract.
Fans were elated when Branthwaite signed his new Everton contract, because they know this is a player who stands to become one of the very best centre-backs in the Premier League.
Branthwaite, who more than trebled his wages with his new deal, has all the attributes you want in a modern-day central defender.
He is fantastic on the ball, physically very strong and is also now developing leadership qualities.
He could very well become captain one day, so it was a massive positive for Everton to tie him down when they did.
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