Darren Bent gushes over Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite despite international admission
Darren Bent has lauded Jarrad Branthwaite for his performance against Brentford on Saturday (27 April) but admits the Everton ace needs to prove himself at international level.
The 21-year-old has experienced a breakthrough season at Goodison Park this term, building a formidable relationship with James Tarkowski ahead of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Branthwaite even earned his first England call-up earlier this season, making the squad for the Three Lions’ two friendly fixtures, though he was an unused substitute in both matches.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Monday (29 April, 6:10pm), Bent said of Branthwaite: “I thought his performance was fantastic at the weekend. He blocked everything and put his body on the line.
“He has the potential to be absolutely brilliant. My only thing is… It’ll be interesting to see him when he comes up against better opposition when playing for his country.
“He and Tarkowski are brilliant at that – winning headers and putting their bodies on the line. But when you’ve got possession of the ball, being comfortable in possession and starting attacks, it’s whether he can do that at the next level.
“But at the weekend… Oh my goodness. He blocked everything.”
Does Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite have the potential to be an international star?
Based on his performances this season – absolutely, yes. Branthwaite has been an unbelievable player for the Toffees this season, especially in the midst of all the chaos at Goodison Park.
The young defender has been one of the few calming aspects in a storm on the blue half of Merseyside, and can certainly be thanked as part of the reason for Everton securing their Premier League safety with three matches to go.
With Branthwaite and Tarkowski together, only Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have conceded fewer goals in the current Premier League campaign.
It will certainly be interesting to see if the centre-back is still at the club come the start of the 2024/25 campaign, with so many transfer rumours written about him this season.
England’s Euro 2024 squad will also be something to keep an eye on, with multiple defenders out of form or sidelined with injury, which could maybe provide an answer to Bent’s question about whether he can make the step up.
In other Everton news, King believes the club could be in “big trouble” after a £200million update from Sky Sports News.
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