Jarrad Branthwaite snub slammed after superb Everton campaign, ‘Outrageous’
The decision not to nominate Everton man Jarrad Branthwaite in the Premier League Young Player of the Year award shortlist has been branded “outrageous” in the Liverpool Echo.
The publication’s Everton correspondent Joe Thomas made the call on 21 May, after the defender was called up to Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024.
Branthwaite has enjoyed a superb season as Everton steered clear of relegation under Sean Dyche despite eight points’ worth of deductions, with the 21-year-old now being linked with a high-profile move to Manchester United.
Thomas said: “It was outrageous the youngster who was central to one of the best defences in the league in his breakthrough campaign was not in the running for Young Player of the Year.
“Not giving him a chance to compete for the England squad this summer would have been another terrible mistake,” he continued – evidently happy to have seen the uncapped defender included.
Branthwaite’s Everton form worthy of Young Player of the Year?
Jarrad Branthwaite has enjoyed an incredible breakthrough season – one which is of course attracting outside interest – with 35 matches and 12 clean sheets to his name.
He worked his way into senior England recognition earlier this year and whilst still awaiting his first full cap, Branthwaite’s selection comes as a surprise to few and Southgate’s call is largely agreed upon.
When you look at the nominees for the Young Player award in the Premier League – which was won by Cole Palmer as Phil Foden took the Player of the Season accolade – there is an exceptionally high standard throughout, but the main controversy is the age cut-off.
Players of up to 24 are annually nominated for this award, which includes the likes of Foden, Erling Haaland and Bukayo Saka.
If it were to have been slightly lowered, Branthwaite would almost certainly have been given a shout in the eyes of many.
Still 21 and with a rapid rise to his name, the centre-back is destined for many Three Lions squads and award nominations in the coming years.
In other Everton news, Jeff Stelling has his say on Dyche’s Everton record.
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