Troy Deeney reveals ‘top’ quality Jarrad Branthwaite brings to Everton
Troy Deeney included Jarrad Branthwaite in his team of the week after the Everton defender put in a superb performance against Newcastle United.
Branthwaite scored the opener for David Moyes’ side in the 3-2 win at St James’ Park, heading in from a James Garner corner for his first goal of the season.
Jacob Ramsey levelled the contest just past the half-hour mark, but Beto restored Everton’s lead just two minutes after.
Newcastle remained in the game throughout the second period, and Jacob Murphy looked to have clinched a point for Eddie Howe’s side when his deflected effort found its way into the back of the net.
However, Thierno Barry bundled home Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross moments later to secure the victory, much to the delight of the travelling Everton fans.
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Jarrad Branthwaite is ‘top-quality’
Everton’s win against Newcastle was only Branthwaite’s sixth Premier League appearance of the season, after returning from a lengthy injury back in January.
However, the 23-year-old has now started each of the last three games for Moyes’ side, and is quickly getting back to his best.
Former Watford striker Deeney was very impressed with Branthwaite’s display at St James’ Park, including him in his Premier League team of the week.
Writing in his BBC Sport column, Deeney claimed that the Englishman is a natural partner to James Tarkowski and is a top-quality centre-back who brings calm to the rest of the Everton team.
He said: “Most people will see the goal he (Branthwaite) scored, but the huge block in the game, and a natural partner to James Tarkowski, gives the rest of his team a sense of calm because they have a top-quality centre-back in the ranks.
“Top performance. If he were fit all season, who knows where Everton would be.”
David Moyes finally sees sense with Jarrad Branthwaite
Ahead of the trip to St James’ Park, Moyes claimed that Branthwaite is just as good at left-back as he is at centre-back.
The 23-year-old started the defeat against Manchester United out wide with Vitalii Mykolenko not included in the squad.
However, with Mykolenko back for the win over Newcastle, Branthwaite was able to prove his class in the centre of defence.
While he can undoubtedly do a job at left-back, the England international has far more of an impact in his more natural position, and will surely be used there by Moyes for the rest of the season.
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