Jarrad Branthwaite is one of the most promising youngsters at Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite was the first signing of the Carlo Ancelotti era, arriving from Carlisle United for less than £1 million. For those who followed the youngster from his Carlisle days, knew that this was a steal by Everton. Branthwaite is a huge prospect, if provided with right incubation and nurturing, could develop into a top centre back.
The 19 year old is already showing signs of it. Back in 2019-20 season, during the final stretch of games, post the three month hiatus, Branthwaite made his debut as the Toffees tackled the central defence injury crisis with Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina both out.
The 19 year old made four appearances, managing a healthy pass completion rate of 88%, winning seven out of seven attempted tackles and six blocks. Branthwaite was superb, pouncing on a first-team opportunity and heavily impressing the management. (stats via FBref)
However, the 2020-21 season was a bit doom and gloom as the arrival of Ben Godfrey and Ancelotti’s preference for other central options saw the youngster slip down the pecking order. The 19 year old was sent on loan at Blackburn Rovers during the second half where he endured a difficult spell, a harsh but much needed learning curve in his career.
The gates of Goodison Park opened to Rafa Benitez this summer and upon assessment, he was pleased with Branthwaite. Despite offers from various clubs, Branthwaite was to stay at the club at least till January, as per Liverpool ECHO.
Scottish side Hearts, who signed Beni Baningime earlier in the summer transfer window from Everton on a free transfer, also targeted Branthwaite, launching a season loan offer but as it has turned out, the young Englishman has stayed with the Royal Blues.
Jarrad Branthwaite played in the Carabao Cup game for Everton
Everton already have Michael Keane, Godfrey, Holgate and Mina as centre back options making Branthwaite the fifth choice. However, Everton and Rafa Benitez’s transfer stance on not sending Branthwaite on loan outlines the plan they have for him.
The Englishman started the Carabao Cup game against Huddersfield, slotting into a three man defence, playing as the left sided centre back. In 57 minutes played, the 19 year old completed 40 passes, posting a strong 98% pass success rate, winning two duels and making two recoveries.
In a Liverpool ECHO article by Phil Kirkbride, Branthwaite is described as closest to being the ‘next John Stones’ and the game against Huddersfield acted as a testament. He passed the ball around swiftly with both feet, was positionally sound and showed immense calm and composure when pressured upon by the opponents, reminiscent of Stones during his Everton days.
How often would you see a defender dribbling past the press or performing a pirouette to evade the opponent around his goal area? Stones did that and Branthwaite follows a similar mechanism.
At the tender age of 19, he’s oozing with confidence and demands the ball in tight situations rather than just clearing it. Branthwaite has bucketloads of potential and promise. The fine tuning and polishing business will be taken care of by Rafa Benitez carefully.
Jarrad Branthwaite can expect more game time this season at Everton
The Spaniard intends to keep him at least until January and the former Carlisle man will have chances to show his talent. The idea behind keeping him as the fifth centre back option is to help cover central defence should Godfrey or Holgate be forced to slot into a full back role.
Everton’s options are scarce at right back and left back, with practically no cover at left back to Lucas Digne after Niels Nkounkou left on loan to Standard Liege. Godfrey played 10 games at left back last season when Digne was recuperating from an ankle injury.
On the right hand side, the Toffees failure to find a long term successor to Seamus Coleman will come to haunt them this season and there has already been the first scare as the Irishman has been injured on international duty. Jonjoe Kenny doesn’t impart a lot of confidence, projecting at the idea of using Holgate as a makeshift right back or even Godfrey.
In such a case, Branthwaite providing cover to central defence becomes of utmost importance. Not to forget Mina, who has been troubled by the ghost of injuries throughout his Everton career. Branthwaite will continue to get starts in the Carabao Cup and when the festive schedule causes headaches to managers and physio teams, Branthwaite may even get more playing time.
Just like Anthony Gordon, who could have a breakthrough season under Benitez, Branthwaite will also be optimistic of having a better shot at first team football. At least till January, these youngsters will want to make a positive impression in training to earn their chances in the first team.
Will Jarrad Branthwaite get significant game time this season?