Glenn Murray hands Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite Premier League honour live on BBC Sport
Glenn Murray has named Everton central defender Jarrad Branthwaite in his Premier League Team of the Season so far.
The BBC Sport pundit handed the Goodison Park centre-back the honour alongside Brighton central defender Lewis Dunk.
The 21-year-old has made 21 appearances in all competitions for Everton, 17 of which have come in the Premier League.
Speaking on The Friday Football Social on BBC 5 Live Sport (12 January), Murray selected the Toffees ace in his best XI.
Everton’s fierce rivals Liverpool were also represented, with Murray naming both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah in his team.
Top season
Branthwaite was certainly eased into the Everton XI by manager Sean Dyche, with the central defender watching on from the bench in the first two matches of the new league campaign.
Since then, however, he has been a firm favourite for Dyche, with the youngster forming a solid partnership alongside veteran James Tarkowski.
In front of the talented Jordan Pickford, the central defensive duo have performed admirably, helping the Merseyside outfit to some memorable results.
But such results have dried up in recent times, with the Toffees dropping back down the table following a very successful run immediately after their 10-point deduction.
Branthwaite’s development was undeniably helped by his loan at PSV last season, with the 21-year-old returning to Goodison Park in the summer ready to perform under Dyche.
He must continue his top displays in order for the club to edge away from the bottom three, which won’t be an easy task, even with the struggles of the likes of Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United.