Dominic Calvert-Lewin admits to ‘roughing’ up rarely-seen Everton talent in training
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has admitted to roughing up Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite in training to prepare him for the Premier League.
The former Carlisle talent made the move to Goodison Park in January and has since gone on to sign another contract in Merseyside.
Carlo Ancelotti rewarded the defender with his Premier League debut in the final months of the season, and he ended up making four appearances.
Calvert-Lewin arrived at Everton as a young talent too and has claimed he will do all it takes to help Branthwaite succeed in a similar manner.
“I have said to him, ‘You have a great chance, keep your head down, keep working’,” he told the club website.
“He is a lovely kid, humble. I will be roughing him up every day in training, to get that aggressive side out of him, to make him as good a player as I possibly can.
“I am up against him every day, so I am sure he is enjoying that. I know it is tough being a young player coming into the First Team.
“He has great senior pros around him – and I am 23 now, so I can accept that role and guide him wherever I can.”
With Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate suffering from injuries towards the end of the season, Branthwaite certainly stepped up and helped the Toffees to important points against the likes of Sheffield United.
Bramall Lane is never an easy place to visit, and the 18-year-old was superb, winning the man of the match award. Branthwaite made five clearances and kept the impressive Blades at bay.
Whatever Calvert-Lewin is doing, it is certainly helping Branthwaite and he is reaping the benefits from the tough training sessions.
In other Everton news, this Toffees talent has detailed his help from Cristiano Ronaldo in his early career