Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite ‘more significant than any signing’ – Sky Sports journalist
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been “more significant” than any signing at the club, according to Sky Sports journalist Adam Bate.
The centre-back spent last season on loan at Eredivisie club PSV, returning to the Goodison Park side in the summer.
He has made nine appearances for the Toffees in all competitions this season, as well as playing for England Under-21s on the international stage.
“Everton remain a work in progress but the return of Branthwaite following a loan spell at PSV has been more significant than any signing,” Bate wrote for Sky Sports.
Key player
Everton manager Sean Dyche opted not to start the young defender in the opening matches of the season, with Branthwaite watching on from the bench against both Fulham and Aston Villa.
But the boss quickly changed his mind, soon selecting the 21-year-old to operate alongside veteran defender James Tarkowski.
The duo have formed a strong partnership at the back, and both played key roles as the Toffees clinched their first away clean sheet of the season against West Ham on Sunday (29 October).
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin got the only goal of the game, with Branthwaite playing a crucial role as he won the ball from the Hammers in the build-up.
His pass then found the feet of his attacking teammate, who linked up with winger Jack Harrison before firing the ball past West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
It was a massive win for the Goodison Park club, who have really struggled both home and away in the current Premier League campaign.
In other Everton news, Micah Richards was stunned by one Toffees player on Sky Sports at full-time against West Ham.