In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, journalist Ben Jacobs stated that Real Madrid are facing tough competition for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Jacobs 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.
“It is true that bringing in at least one young centre-back is on Manchester United’s positional radar. Homegrown players are also a key focus, so Branthwaite ticks a lot of boxes, especially with him being a left-sided center-back.”
Branthwaite’s Impressive Run Of Form At Goodison Park
The 21-year-old has put in a run of impressive performances for the Toffees on the defensive end of the field. Branthwaite has scored one goal in 27 matches for Everton this season, scoring one goal on all fronts.
The English defensive ace has given a good account of himself by averaging 2.1 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 4.5 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution after completing 78.7% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Real Madrid Are Facing Tough Competition For Branthwaite: Is He Worth The Fight?
Branthwaite is a solid tackler of the ball and can make a few timely interceptions for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing his lines when the opposition are on the front foot and can even play his way out from the back.
The English talent can even use his powerful 1.95m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. At the moment, Branthwaite is playing some of the best football of his young career. Hence, Real Madrid would do well to lure him to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the summer.
We can expect the English sensation to add more bite and steel to Los Blancos‘ backline. He might even go on to help the Madrid giants compete for some major trophies in the coming seasons. With all things considered, Branthwaite would be well worth the fight, so Ancelotti should go all out to acquire his services when the transfer window reopens at the end of this campaign.
