Campbell stresses importance of game time for Gordon and Branthwaite
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes that it is imperative for Everton duo Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite to play regular football next season.
Gordon and Branthwaite, 20 and 18 respectively, are highly regarded young stars for Everton, with the club viewing both as future first-team regulars.
Gordon joined Championship club Preston in February and played 11 times in the second flight, however he would lose his spot for the Lilywhites towards the end of the season.
Branthwaite meanwhile joined Blackburn in January, making 10 Championship appearances before his game time severely dried up due to first being dropped and then due to an ankle injury that required surgery.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Campbell expressed his hope that the duo would be allowed to play regularly next season as they continue to grow as players.
Campbell said: “I think both players need to play first-team football, but it can’t be to their detriment, where they go somewhere and sit around. They have to play.
“So even if it’s one step down or a lesser team, go and play, go and learn your trade.
“It’s so important for their development.”
Important decisions
Both Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite are undeniably players that Everton must keep a close eye on, and it’ll be interested to see what happens with both players this summer but for very different reasons.
Branthwaite is unlikely to find game time easy to come by at Goodison Park. With Yerry Mina, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate, the Blues currently have plenty of centre-back options, making Branthwaite unlikely to feature.
Still at such a young age, Branthwaite will develop hugely with regular football and as he won’t get that on Merseyside he’s certain to be loaned out, hopefully to a club that will trust him and give him minutes.
Gordon on the other hand could be set to remain at Goodison Park, having demonstrated his ability in an Everton shirt on a number of occasions.
At times this season Everton have lacked creativity and depth in the wide positions, and Gordon could seamlessly slot into a squad role for the Blues.
It depends on whether the Toffees want him playing every single week, or whether being on the bench and occasionally coming on is enough for him.
Either way, Campbell is right to hope that Everton treat both players well. They both need football to continue growing, and hopefully Marcel Brands knows how to manage their immediate futures.
In other Everton news, Toffees ace issues damning statement following Everton’s loss v Sheffield United.
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