Everton could recall Jarrad Branthwaite in January amid playing time concerns
Jarrad Branthwaite is currently on loan at PSV Eindhoven but he could be recalled by Everton in January, according to Eindhoven Dagblad.
The 20-year-old headed to the Eredivisie to earn more game time under Ruud van Nistelrooy after being convinced by former Toffees director of football Marcel Brands.
But he has had to spend more time than he would have liked on the bench as he fights for a starting spot with Armando Obispo who has kept him out for much of the season.
Everton are reportedly unhappy that Branthwaite is not playing as regularly as they expected him to at the Philips Stadium and are therefore considering recalling him from his loan in January.
That could change if he can get into the side and keep his place which he may well be able to do after shining at the back in a 2-0 Europa League win against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
More than games
Frank Lampard would love for Branthwaite to be playing every single week for PSV Eindhoven and he has made plenty of appearances in his own right.
The boss could do with remembering that the Cumbrian has not been sent out on loan just to play games but also mature as a person in an unusual environment to what he is used to.
In a short space of time, Branthwaite has had to try and learn the basics of a brand new language and adjust to life in a country he may have never stepped foot in before signing the deal.
All of that is arguably as important if not more than playing every single week at such an early stage in his career and not something the Toffees should be trying to stop.
van Nistelrooy could utilise him more, of course, but he is under no obligation to disrupt his own team to appease Everton and nor should he if Branthwaite doesn’t do enough to earn it.