'Looks the part' - Jamie Carragher blown away by this Everton talent after breakthrough

It has been a whirlwind year for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

After sealing a move from Carlisle, the 18-year-old has signed a new deal and even made his Premier League debut at Goodison Park.

One Premier League legend he has impressed is Jamie Carragher, who couldn't help but shower Branthwaite in praise for his breakthrough.

Carragher told the News and Star that he was impressed with the defender only minutes into his debut for the Toffees.

"Sometimes, when you look at someone initially, you can tell they look the part," he said. "And he looks the part."

"He’s got a great physique and shape to be a centre-back, and he gives you great balance with his left foot as well.

"When you watch him, because of his size, you almost forget how young he is. The way football’s played now, the way defenders have to play from the back, receive the ball in their own box - to do that at such a young age is impressive."

Carlo Ancelotti has worked with some of the best defenders in football, and he wouldn't have brought Branthwaite into the first-team set up if he wasn't ready.

The youngster has been superb, and his performance against Sheffield United certainly caught our eye. Branthwaite picked up the man of the match award and kept his spot for the rest of the season.

Branthwaite made five clearances and two tackles in that clash at Bramall Lane, and saved Everton from a potential crisis last season - his reward should be a role in the squad in the 20/21 campaign.

In other Everton news, Toffees set to rival Liverpool and Leicester for defender after £12million enquiry