Glenn Hoddle drools over Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite
Glenn Hoddle has showered praise on Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite for his performance against Chelsea.
The 19-year-old scored the equalising goal for the Toffees as they earned a 1-1 draw against the Blues in the Premier League clash on Thursday night.
While the delivery from Anthony Gordon was “fabulous”, Hoddle was left impressed with the youngster’s desire to get the touch.
Hoddle said to BT Sport, as transcribed by Daily Mail: “It was a fabulous ball by Gordon but he (Branthwaite) had more desire than anyone on the edge of the 18-yard box to get to it. He’s outstretched, long legs just gets the touch and guides it into the bottom corner – what a feeling for the kid. They needed that and responded well after going 1-0 down.”
Can Everton turn it around?
This was a massive result for the Toffees.
They earned a 2-1 victory over Arsenal and now drew 1-1 against the European champions this month. The question is – can they build something positive from here?
Rafa Benitez was left with no other option but to field young players for this tie, with as many as 12 first-team players are currently missing through illness or injury.
Branthwaite started the game alongside Michael Keane and he was brilliant throughout.
Chelsea managed 23 shots during the game and on another day they could have easily scored four or five. However, Jordan Pickford was outstanding as he made some top-quality saves.
It all looked familiar when Mason Mount broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, as Everton’s resilience finally failed.
However, Branthwaite’s goal gave them a fresh new hope as they levelled the tie.
Benitez will hope that his key players will return shortly as they should aim to build on this and climb up the table.
In other Everton news, Jim White slammed Blues supporters live on-air after Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.