Jarrad Branthwaite explains what’s next after first Everton goal
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has explained what he believes comes next after scoring his first goal for the club against Chelsea.
Branthwaite was given his first Premier League start under Rafa Benitez at Stamford Bridge as the young Toffees side earned a late point, with the defender scoring the goal to equalise.
The 19-year-old earned plaudits for his performance, which came a week after signing a brand new contract with the club.
While speaking to EvertonTV after his debut, Branthwaite admitted he was buzzing about being named in the team and playing a part in the result but said there was more to come.
“I signed a deal which showed Everton’s commitment to me and I hope I repaid them with that goal.
“The result was massive, everyone to a man was superb, the team spirit after the game was unbelievable and we want to take that into the next game.
“Our reaction to going one down was good. We were breaking well throughout the game and had a few opportunities on the counter-attack, so I always felt we’d have a chance to get a goal and, thankfully, I put one in the net.
“I can‘t put into words the feeling of scoring in the Premier League, the best league in the world, and of doing it for Everton. I was just buzzing to be in the team and play against Chelsea but now I have to build on it.”
Future
Branthwaite is a highly-rated young defender at Everton and with Benitez looking to stamp his authority on the squad, it’s possible that we will see more and more of him.
The way he speaks about the future is a positive too, showing that he isn’t taking his career for granted just because he started and scored on his debut.
He has hunger and commitment to making it at Goodison Park and in an era where money is so valued in football, a genuine passion for the club can only be a good thing.
It will be interesting to see what happens when our injured players return such as Yerry Mina, will he be thrown straight out? Time will tell.
In other Everton news, talented youngster explain role of club legend in his debut and development.