Micah Richards wowed by what ‘Magnificent’ Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite did v Brighton
Micah Richards was amazed by Jarrad Branthwaite’s performance as Everton claimed a 1-1 draw against Brighton on Saturday 24 February.
The defender looked to have claimed all three points for the Toffees with a superb sweeping goal, but a Lewis Dunk header deep into added time meant Sean Dyche’s side had to settle for a point at the Amex Stadium.
Ex-Manchester City defender Richards was full of praise for centre-back Branthwaite, though, and agreed with Gary Lineker’s assertion that he could be part of England’s squad for Euro 2024.
“He’s really aggressive. He uses his legs to make the block and then gets back on the line, just in case anything comes his way,” Richards said via BBC Match of the Day on Saturday (24 February).
“His all-round play is magnificent. Look at this [his goal] – the first touch and finish. He said in an interview that he needs to score more goals, and that’s exactly what he did.”
Will Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite be sold this summer?
Branthwaite has already proven himself to be a vital asset at Goodison Park and is already one of Dyche’s undroppable players at the age of 21, forging a great partnership with James Tarkowski at the back.
The centre-back has pushed the experienced minds of Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey, either onto the bench or out of position, and down the defender’s pecking order.
The idea of keeping Branthwaite at the club during the summer continues to get trickier, with so many different clubs across Europe taking an interest in the young prospect.
However, considering Everton’s current issues surrounding FFP, it is unlikely that they will be able to turn down an offer of £80million for their star defender. It is the sad reality of football.
The goal against Brighton, his second-ever for the Toffees, just highlights even more his potential and capabilities on the field, which should only raise his price tag.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are reportedly close to making a decision on Jarrad Branthwaite’s future.
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