Jarrad Branthwaite in action for Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Jarrad BranthwaiteEverton (evertonfc.com)

The one thing holding Jarrad Branthwaite back at Everton

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Published on:

17 Oct 2026, 9:10 am

Jarrad Branthwaite is arguably Everton's most prized asset.

The 24-year-old centre-back is one of the first names on David Moyes' team-sheet when he is available.

His form in the early stages of this season saw him earn a recall to the England national team in the recent international break.

Branthwaite only featured in one of England's four Nations League fixtures, playing around half an hour of the 3-0 win over Czechia at Wembley.

For Everton, Branthwaite is a crucial figure, and has forged an excellent partnership with James Tarkowski at the centre of defence.

However, comedian and podcaster Sam Avery went on talkSPORT to name the one thing he thinks is holding Branthwaite back.

What is halting Jarrad Branthwaite's progress at Everton?

Branthwaite's progression on the blue half of Merseyside has seen him linked with a move away in the past.

Manchester United have held a long-term interest in Branthwaite, and have been linked with a move again.

Max Rushden was speaking to Everton fan Avery, co-host of 'The Mid-Point' podcast with Jason Manford and a regular on BBC radio stations, about all things Everton.

The topic of Branthwaite came up, and Avery was asked about how impressive the 24-year-old has been in an Everton shirt.

Avery concurred, and stated that the only thing holding Branthwaite back now is his chequered history with injuries.

He said live on talkSPORT: "I think he's fantastic.

"The only thing holding Branthwaite back, you could argue playing for Everton. I think it's his injury record, a couple of injuries he's struggled to come back from.

"You can see how much better we are when he plays versus when he doesn't."

Everton may already have next Jarrad Branthwaite at Finch Farm after new England announcement

Jarrad Branthwaite has no Everton ceiling

It is just a simple fact that Everton are a much better team when Branthwaite is in the starting line-up.

He is one of the best centre-backs in the league when he is fit and firing, and genuinely there is no ceiling for him at Everton.

The concern supporters have is whether Branthwaite will one day be tempted by a new challenge, such is his talent.

But there is no point worry about things outside of our control, and the focus right now is just on what he can contribute to the Toffees.

Ben Brannan

Jarrad Branthwaite

David Moyes

Everton Football Club