Michael Ball claims ‘every club in the world’ would want Everton’s ‘composed’ £15k-a-week gem

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Former Everton defender Michael Ball believes that Jarrad Branthwaite could generate huge transfer demand.

Jarrad Branthwaite has been a revelation for Everton so far this season.

The 21-year-old centre-back enjoyed a productive loan spell with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven last season, and has carried his fine form back to Goodison Park.

Since usurping Michael Keane in the starting XI, Branthwaite has now started the Toffees’ last six Premier League matches, playing every minute of all those encounters.

Sean Dyche will be well aware that he has a potentially very special player on his hands in Branthwaite. Having been a centre-back himself in his playing days, the manager is well-placed to guide the England under-21 international ace and help him to develop his game further. 

Branthwaite has some very impressive raw attributes. The £15,000-a-week youngster is extremely technically gifted. He is excellent in possession and plays with a maturity beyond his years.

Ball says Branthwaite has got it all

Michael Ball has certainly been impressed by what he’s seen from Branthwaite so far. The former left-back, who represented the Merseyside outfit between 1996 and 2001, believes that the 6’5” youngster has traits that make him a standout prospect.

Speaking on A View From the Bullens, Ball said, “he looks very composed. I didn’t want to get too carried away early on because we haven’t had a left-sided centre-half in so long that he just looks ten times better than anyone we’ve had, because he’s got that balance.”

“He opens his body up and plays the ball out – it’s a simple thing, but some take two or three touches to do that. He makes it look easy. He can control the ball, win his battles, he’s a big lad – he’s got every attribute you could want.”

“Being a left-sided player, I know that every club in the world wants a left-sided centre-back. I’m made up he’s signed his new contract.”

Everton certainly won’t be in any rush to try and cash in on Branthwaite. As reported by The Daily Mail, Manchester United have previously shown an interest in the player. As yet, though, no formal approach has been forthcoming.

This is good news for both Everton and Brainthwaite. The best thing for the player at this stage of his career is to avoid any of the distractions that can come with a transfer saga. He needs to stay at Everton, keep on playing regularly and steadily improving. If he does that, his chance to shine at the very top of the game will surely eventually come.