Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite gives Sean Dyche something to ponder after 95% England masterclass
Everton manager Sean Dyche is famed for building his teams from the back, and that is an area that the boss will no doubt work on as pre-season rapidly approaches.
The Toffees have a huge campaign ahead of them, and will need plenty of experienced players to help the club realise its potential in the Premier League once again.
But young and exciting talent will also be needed, and the Toffees boast one of England’s brightest defenders in Jarrad Branthwaite.
The centre-back spent last season on loan at Netherlands outfit PSV, but could return to the Everton first-team next time out after impressing for his temporary club.
He has also now impressed for his nation, with the 21-year-old playing the full 90 minutes as England Under-21s defeated Germany on Wednesday (28 June) in the Under-21 European Championship.
The Three Lions made it three wins from three, but it was the first action that Branthwaite has seen in the tournament, having watched on from the bench in the first two group matches.
The defender showed no signs of rustiness, however, as he produced a superb display to help his country to a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory.
“Branthwaite performed excellently, completing 76 passes at a rate of 95%, as well as making seven clearances, recording two interceptions and completing three tackles,” according to the official Everton website.
Dyche will have been watching the clash with intent, with the boss handed a glimpse of what his young defender is capable of.
With Conor Coady and Yerry Mina having left Goodison Park, the Toffees are in need of central defenders, and Branthwaite has done himself no harm when it comes to potential selection next season with his display for England Under-21s.
In other Everton news, the Toffees want to sign a “prized asset” from Leeds United amid a likely Elland Road “exodus” this summer.