Jarrad Branthwaite delights Henry Winter as ‘superb’ Everton man shines ‘under pressure’ in Liverpool defeat
Henry Winter singled out Jarrad Branthwaite as “superb” for Everton in the controversial Merseyside derby defeat at Anfield.
The Times journalist reacted on Twitter following the final whistle on 21 October to praise the young Toffees defender for his work “at the back under pressure” in the 2-0 loss.
The 21-year-old has dislodged Michael Keane in the starting XI and looks to have cemented his place after he was the pick of the defenders, and arguably the team, in the clash with the Reds.
Winter wrote amid praise for goalscorer Mohamed Salah and home youngster Harvey Elliott: “But a nod to Jarrad Branthwaite superb at the back under pressure for Everton. Only 21.”
So true
Branthwaite has attracted a lot of transfer interest in recent months after a breakout loan spell with PSV but the Toffees are now benefiting from keeping hold of the towering centre-back.
His display at Anfield showed a composure that is so often lacking in this Everton side, and he outshone his senior central partner James Tarkowski on the day.
Defensively Sean Dyche’s side were largely very good and for the most part limited Liverpool to strikes from distance which didn’t overly threaten Jordan Pickford in goal.
Ashley Young’s rashness was the only weakness to the backline and allowed Craig Pawson the opportunity to show him two yellows before half time for fouls on Luis Diaz.
The referee was far more hesitant to get that card out when it came to the home side though, allowing multiple Kostas Tsimikas fouls to go unpunished before somehow choosing not to show Ibrahima Konate a second booking to even out the numbers after the break.
As it was, Branthwaite’s and his teammates’ efforts were in vain as an unfortunate handball award against Michael Keane allowed Mohamed Salah to break the deadlock from the spot, and the Egyptian had plenty of space in the gaps left to add a second as Everton chased an equaliser.
There were at least a number of positives to be taken from defeat this time and Branthwaite was at the top of that list, despite another infuriating trip to Anfield being overshadowed by the officials.
In other Everton news, Richard Keys slammed Pawson over a game that was “too big” for him to handle.