View: How did Jarrad Branthwaite fare on his Blackburn debut v Stoke City?
Everton youngster Jarrod Branthwaite sealed his loan switch to Championship side Blackburn Rovers this week.
The Toffees defender joined up with Tony Mowbray at Ewood Park and was handed his debut against Stoke City on Saturday.
It wasn’t a great afternoon in Lancashire, with Rovers managing to save a point in their 1-1 draw against the Potters.
The 18-year-old completed the 90 minutes in the draw, a game that had it all.
James Chester was sent off for the away side in the second half before John Buckley rescued a point for Branthwaite’s side.
Branthwaite was against the experience of the likes of Nick Powell, with the forward scoring Stoke’s only goal at Ewood Park.
The Everton talent was solid enough, though.
According to WhoScored, Branthwaite completed a couple of tackles and also won three of his aerial battles – something Stoke are known for.
The 18-year-old also kept 5.8% of the ball, more than any player managed for Stoke in the entire 90 minutes as he looked to dictate play.
Carlo Ancelotti handed Branthwaite his Premier League debut at the end of last season with a string of outings, so he will be keeping a close eye on his development.
The Toffees boss will be wanting the young defender to get used to the physicality of the Championship, something that will prepare him for a full season in the Premier League.
Only five more teams concede more shots on goal per game than Rovers, so Branthwaite will be in the thick of the action this season – something Mowbray will be hoping helps.
Branthwaite has got off to a positive start, and this must continue.
In other Everton news, Blues have been offered the chance to sign Felipe Anderson