Local journo drops verdict on Jarrad Branthwaite performance in Everton v Fulham after he had ‘a few questions to answer’
Jarrad Branthwaite “oozes class” and impressed despite having “a few questions to answer” after being played out of position in the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie between Everton and Fulham, Liverpool Echo journalist Connor O’Neill said.
The exciting young defender, who usually operates at centre-back, had to fill a void at left-back with Vitaliy Mykolenko and Ashley Young sidelined.
Branthwaite put in an assured performance even as Everton were defeated on penalties at Goodison after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
There was one moment early doors that O’Neill particularly loved from Branthwaite.
Writing in the Liverpool Echo on Wednesday (20 December), O’Neill commented: “Every time you watch Jarrad Branthwaite in action, it is hard not to be impressed. The young defender simply oozes class, and it is easy to see why supporters continue to get excited by him.
“However, against Fulham here, Branthwaite had a couple of questions to answer because he had been given the nod to start at left-back in place of Vitaliy Mykolenko.
“After missing the win over Burnley at Turf Moor due to suspension, the England under-21 international was immediately recalled, but in an unfamiliar position. Branthwaite has spent the campaign at the heart of Everton’s defence alongside James Tarkowski, but here he was at left-back. However, any concerns anyone had were quickly eased. With less than 10 minutes on the clock, the 21-year-old sprung into action.
“Team-mate Tarkowski carelessly gave the ball away and looked like he had presented an opportunity for Harry Wilson to break free. But Branthwaite read the danger and reacted superbly, showing a turn of pace that most defenders could only dream of producing to get back and clear the danger.”
Different class
Every once in a while a talent comes along who you just know is destined for big things and boy do Everton have that in Branthwaite, who just continues to go from strength to strength after returning from a loan spell at PSV last season.
The best thing is nothing seems to really faze him. He has become a real leader within the team this term, but has done so playing in the centre of defence alongside the more experienced Tarkowski.
So, it was a big test against Fulham on Wednesday having to step in at left-back, but – and Sean Dyche will particularly love this – he just got on with the job, did his bit for the team, and put in a stellar performance.
It seems only a matter of time before he is playing for England, and the biggest test for Everton is going to be whether they can keep Branthwaite at Goodison Park for the foreseeable future. He is an absolute Rolls Royce of a defender.
In other Everton news, Dyche has provided a fitness update on Abdoulaye Doucoure pre-Tottenham.