‘Whirlwind’ – Everton talent living the ‘dream’ after 1-0 win v Sheffield United
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has insisted that he is living the “dream” after making his full Premier League debut.
The 18-year-old made his first start under Carlo Ancelotti against Sheffield United and managed to keep a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory at Bramall Lane.
Branthwaite only made the move to Goodison Park from Carlisle in January but has since put pen-to-paper on another deal in Merseyside.
The young defender gave his reaction after making the step to the top of the footballing pyramid so early in his career.
“It’s been a whirlwind for me really,” he told Sky Sports.
“Playing first-team football in the Premier League at 18-years-old is every boy’s dream and I’ve just got to keep working hard and push on now.
“From League Two, it’s more physical, more balls, but in the Premier League, you’ve got to be quicker on your feet and stuff – it’s been a big leap compared to League Two, but I’ve just got to keep working hard to try and develop.”
Ancelotti has one of the best CV’s in world football having managed some of the biggest clubs and he wouldn’t have picked Branthwaite if he wasn’t good enough.
The 18-year-old will have been given a huge boost of confidence by the Italian, and that shone through in his performance against a brilliant Blades side.
Branthwaite won three of his aerial battles according to WhoScored, as well as completing two tackles and five clearances in South Yorkshire.
That performance will set him up nicely to finish the season on a high against Bournemouth if he is selected on Sunday.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are set to rival Leeds United for the signature of this Premier League goalkeeper in the summer