David Moyes has completely lost it after latest Jarrad Branthwaite admission
Everton fans will be frustrated with how Jarrad Branthwaite has been used by David Moyes this season
The English defender has featured five times in 2025-26, and it’s clear that he hasn’t quite got back to his best just yet.
The 23-year-old centre-back has become one of Moyes‘ most valuable assets, and there’s no doubt that he has a bright future in L4.
However, a huge point of contention has been his role at left-back, which Everton’s head coach firmly stands by.
David Moyes defends use of Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton have repeatedly turned down Man United’s interest in Branthwaite, and his value has now doubled after he signed a new contract in July.
However, the injury issues he has suffered in recent years haven’t helped his development, and neither has his current role playing at left-back.
In his press conference on Friday, Moyes said: “Branthwaite is as comfortable as a left-back as he is a centre-back.”
The stats below, via Sofascore, show that he is clearly better off the ball when he is wrestling with opposition players, rather than when he has to show the creative side to his game.
| Stat | Branthwaite |
| Appearances | 5 |
| Pass accuracy | 79.9% |
| Ground duels won | 64.1% |
| Aerial duels won | 76% |
Branthwaite is traditionally a centre-back, but he played on the left-hand side of defence against Man United on Monday, which clearly isn’t his best position.
Given the fact that Vitalii Mykolenko is available, it’s baffling to see two slow centre-backs in Michael Keane and James Tarkowski partnered together when it is completely avoidable.
Moyes has to play Branthwaite centrally instead of Keane, and if he had done so against the Red Devils, then they wouldn’t have suffered a second successive loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Sofascore graphic below shows his stats from last season, almost exclusively as a centre-back, and it’s clear that his defensive attributes are being wasted out wide.
The Toffees face Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday, and they are one of the last teams Moyes would currently want to face.
Here’s why Branthwaite’s role at left-back could prove disastrous vs Newcastle
Everton can’t afford to lose a third consecutive top-flight game at St James’ Park, but starting Branthwaite at left-back could be costly.
Newcastle right-winger Anthony Elanga is notoriously one of the quickest players in the league, and despite his struggles this season, he could prove to be a real problem.
If Branthwaite is isolated, he could get exposed, but if he plays as a left centre-back, then he would be able to sweep in behind and deal with any long balls.
It’s also clear that Vitalii Mykolenko is better equipped to deal with the Sweden international’s speed, so it’s a straightforward decision for Moyes to make.
However, based on his recent quotes, that looks unlikely to happen.
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