Mina and Godfrey injury gives golden chance to Everton defender to showcase his potential

Since the money came rolling through Farhad Moshiri’s treasury, Everton have made multiple questionable signings. In the last few years, fans have failed to warm up to some signings and then there have been some players who have shown a lot of promise and given a sense of assurance that Everton’s future will be great. The name of Jarrad Branthwaite does give a similar feeling.

The former Carlisle youngster was termed as a steal when the Toffees acquired him for mere £1 million. Branthwaite is a player with bags of potential and can turn into a top rated centre back if Everton can provide him with the right mix of exposure and counsel.

Those who had been watching Carlisle regularly regarded him as one of the best prospects at the club. Naturally, the player at the age of 19 wouldn’t be thrown straight away in the team. Over the next 18 months, he made sporadic appearances for Everton before heading out on loan to Blackburn in the second half of the 2020-21 season.

After a difficult and enduring spell at Blackburn, Branthwaite was back for 2021-22 season. Then manager Rafa Benitez didn’t see Branthwaite more than a squad option which saw the Englishman spend most of his time on the bench.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite could get more minutes under his belt

The change of manager to Frank Lampard did give encouraging signs to youngsters. Anthony Gordon is already reaping benefits and repaying the trust. Soon, even Branthwaite could be more involved in the first team dynamics.

Ben Godfrey suffered a torn hamstring injury against Brentford which has ruled him out for four to five weeks. Yerry Mina who has a reputation of being injury prone, sustained a quadriceps injury against Newcastle United. Frank Lampard has indicated that the Colombian will be out for eight to ten weeks.

Injuries to two central defenders leave Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Branthwaite as available centre backs. Keane and Holgate put in a splendid performance against Leeds United, the defensive duo has silenced the critics as of now.

With Mina and Godfrey unavailable, Branthwaite could see an increase in his playing time. If Lampard does once again choose to use a back three formation, Branthwaite could be a candidate for the starting role.

The 19 year old signed a new deal until summer 2025 earlier this season and he seems to be on the right track of development. Under Lampard, opportunities will come to Branthwaite and he will be ready to grab it with both hands.

Will Jarrad Branthwaite become a starter at some point under Frank Lampard?