Credit: Imago/Breaking Media

Scott Mason

Sun 31 May 2026 18:10, UK

Everton look to be in the market for a left-sided centre-back amid links to Jayden Oosterwolde.

The Toffees have been unable to rely on Jarrad Branthwaite, who has had numerous injury concerns throughout the last two seasons.

It has meant a defensive partnership of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane has been the dominant pairing for David Moyes.

While the Englishman is undoubtedly a quality defender, Branthwaite’s unreliability will make officials lose patience at Hill Dickinson, and entering a season without another option would be negligent.

Everton links to Oosterwolde make sense in that regard, but it also opens up another interesting caveat to the move.

Why Jayden Oosterwolde can transform Everton’s defence

Oosterwolde’s links to Everton are interesting, especially as he is not the typical centre-back profile you would expect from Moyes.

Defenders such as Tarkowski and Keane are known for their brutishness, where they make up for their perceived lack of mobility with physical strength.

Oosterwolde, however, is known for his remarkable speed despite coming in at 6’4″ tall. With that pace and ability to recover, it would allow the Blues to become more open in attack and take more risks to get wins.

Back in 2023, Ben Mattinson, a now Como 1907 scout, described the defender as having “electric” speed and able to “catch every attacker.”

Oosterwolde has electric speed. His recovery pace allows him to be a high line defender and defend large spaces as he can catch every attacker. The combination of his insane top speed and being 6’4” makes him a physical unit who can cover a lot of ground so quickly. pic.twitter.com/kvbMrKWU0C

— Ben Mattinson (@Ben_Mattinson_) November 30, 2023

The Merseyside club can often be too safe in possession, leading to a lack of chances and goals scored. However, he is not weak at the qualities associated with Tarkowski and Keane either.

In the 2025-2026 season, Oosterwolde ended the campaign with a 56 per cent ground duel success – Keane had 57 per cent, with Tarkowski at 65 per cent.

Aerially, he does come slightly under with 51 per cent – compared to 64 per cent and 70 per cent – however, his tall frame means he could still cause issues for strikers.

Additionally, as Everton fans have come to know, Moyes likes to have versatile defenders. The Dutch centre-back is also capable of playing at left-back if needs must.

Overall, a move for Oosterwolde would be an exciting play by Everton, and it could point to Moyes being a little more adventurous. Maybe an old dog can be taught new tricks?

With Brantwaite struggling to be available, it certainly makes sense to push for the move.

Who is Everton’s fastest player?

According to the latest report from the Premier League, Thierno Barry clocked the highest speed for the Toffees in the 2025-2026 season, coming in at 35.35 km/h.

When it comes to Oosterwolde, his top speed can only be found via the Champions League numbers, with no Turkish League data available.

His top speed comes in at 33.29 km/h, which is not too far behind the French striker. It is also worth noting the Fenerbahce star may have had less space to run into when clocking his top speed due to being a defender.

Barry was also not too far behind Erling Haaland, who clocked the highest speed against Arsenal in April with 36.20 km/h.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.