Jarrad Branthwaite delivers promising update on PSV spell as Everton loanee shines in Netherlands
Jarrad Branthwaite headed to PSV from Everton in the summer in order to boost his game time, and the young defender is now thriving in the Netherlands.
Branthwaite slowly fell down Frank Lampard’s pecking order at Goodison Park following the arrivals of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski in the summer.
However, Lampard was keen to keep hold of Branthwaite for the future, so all parties agreed on a loan move to Eredivisie side PSV this season.
According to Branthwaite’s latest comments his loan stint is going superbly, which will be music to Lampard’s ears.
As reported by PSVFans, Branthwaite said: “At least I’m fit and I feel good again after a minor injury. I’m having a good time at PSV and in the Netherlands anyway. I enjoy it.
“Everyone is nice and warm, that helps me well. I develop.
“I get the chance to play and that’s why I came to PSV. It’s fantastic for me that I can play under Ruud van Nistelrooy. He was of course a top player and PSV is a big club in football.”
Goodison return on the cards
Everton were never willing to let Branthwaite leave permanently as the club were more than aware of his lofty potential.
Lampard clearly didn’t think the Carlisle-born defender was quite ready to be thrown into the first-team mix, but his successful PSV stint will hold him in good stead of returning to Everton and making the squad next season.
Of course, Everton are busy trying to tie down Coady to a permanent move at Goodison Park, and centre-back partner Tarkowski seems to be a nailed-on favourite for the lineup at the moment.
But with Mason Holgate struggling for form and Yerry Mina looking for the nearest exit, there’s definitely room for more defensive options at Everton next season.
For now, Branthwaite can focus on impressing in the Netherlands and returning to Merseyside full of confidence and experience. Lampard will definitely be keeping a keen eye on his loan spell and his return could save the Toffees from having to dip into the market over January or next summer.