In a recent segment on Youtube, Voetbal International journalist Süleyman Öztürk urged Liverpool to move in for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Ozturk said,
“I think the period in the Netherlands, in the Eredivisie, has been good for him.
“You mention that footballing ability that was also noticeable at PSV, but I also feel his positioning is unbelievable. In the duels with the Chelsea striker Broja I thought he was very strong.
“Micah Richards pointed him out on Match of the Day, and it was interesting because they picked out exactly the moments that I found interesting, the ones where he doesn’t bite but remains central, just like Van Dijk in his peak.
“That stopping power. He stops and then waits. The timing of his interceptions is special. He has height, footballing ability the timing for interceptions. He’s only 21 years old and in Sean Dyche has a trainer who is focused on defending and organising. He’s developed a few defenders.
“If I were Liverpool, I would buy him as a successor to Van Dijk. I really think he is the revelation of this season at Everton in the Premier League. He’s already leader in a defence at a club in big trouble. The fact that at 21 you play in the starting line up in a Sean Dyche team is not easy.”
Branthwaite’s Impressive Run Of Form At Goodison Park This Season
The 21-year-old has caught the eye with his performances at the heart of Sean Dyche’s defence this season. Branthwaite has made 16 appearances for the Toffees so far across all fronts.
The 21-year-old has been a dominant presence inside his half based on his average of 2.1 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 5.1 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been excellent when distributing possession from the back, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 77.9% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
Can Everton Boss Sean Dyche Afford To Lose Branthwaite?
Branthwaite is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when needed and excels at playing his way out from the back.
At 21, Branthwaite has the potential to become a future star at Goodison Park. Hence, it makes no sense for Everton head coach Sean Dyche to let him go this winter. The Toffees simply cannot afford to lose a player of Branthwaite’s quality in the upcoming January transfer window as he could help them secure a top-half finish in the Premier League this season.
