- Everton secured a 1-1 draw with Brighton after Jarrad Branthwaite’s goal
- The 21-year-old has starred for Sean Dyche’s side and could move in the summer
- David Moyes doesn’t deserve the negativity towards him at West Ham. It’s ridiculous and shameful for the job he’s done – It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Amid the uncertainty surrounding Everton, there is at least certainty that in Jarrad Branthwaite they possess one of the brightest young defenders around.
If they had held on to three points here it would have been largely thanks to the 21-year-old, who scored a beauty and defended with maturity beyond his years, later revealing he was more pleased by his defensive efforts than his goal.
‘I probably got even more joy from the tackle on Simon Adingra because he is in on goal and if he gets the ball across, they score from it. My main job is to stop goals,’ he said. Up until the age of 15 Branthwaite played as a midfielder but in recent years he has spoken about how the centre half role allows him more time on the ball and his comfort in possession was clear to see.
But among various attributes, it is his positioning that stands out. He was regularly on hand in a solid defensive partnership with James Tarkowski to deny Brighton, until Lewis Dunk’s added-time equaliser.
The last few weeks have seen Branthwaite score a late equaliser but also face a lesson at the hands of Erling Haaland.
Everton possess one of the Premier League’s brightest young defenders in Jarrad Branthwaite
Branthwaite scored Everton’s only goal in their draw against an impressive Brighton team
Not that the latter is anything to be ashamed about and, given the quality of his displays after an impressive season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, Branthwaite will be in high demand this summer.
He has already been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United but after signing a long-term deal until 2027, it should take a substantial offer to prise him away, although if Everton do get relegated teams will look to exploit their financial position.
Mail Sport understands all of the club’s recent contracts include relegation clauses.
Despite now going winless in nine, Branthwaite insisted his team was full of confidence.
‘There is belief. Everyone forgets how much of a positive season it actually has been,’ he said. ‘Without the 10 points deducted, we would be mid-table.’
While Everton await the outcome of their appeal, Sean Dyche admits their position has caused some uncertainty.
‘Spin it how you wish,’ the Everton manager said. ‘What I don’t understand is why they take the 10 points off as if it’s done, when it’s clearly not. Leave the table alone and let it play out as it is.’
Meanwhile, Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke sang the praises of his defensive partner Dunk, who crowned his 400th league appearance for his hometown club with a goal and a solid display.
Branthwaite has already been linked with potential moves to Real Madrid and Man United
Despite now going winless in nine games, Branthwaite insisted Everton are full of confidence
‘He is one of the best centre backs England have,’ said the Dutchman. ‘He should play for England. He is a great player and he could do really well at the Euros.’
That praise was echoed by Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi, who said: ‘I hope Lewis goes to the Euros because I want to go to Germany and watch him and Pascal Gross. He’s playing very well.’
De Zerbi also revealed he has been inviting players to his house to sample his Italian cooking in a bid to understand them better, with Ansu Fati and Pervis Estupinan the latest to get the invite.
Van Hecke said: ‘I haven’t been to the boss’ house yet for pasta — maybe in the future. Maybe I need to score my first goal for the club, then I will get an invite!’
