Following the previous season’s game at the London Stadium, Everton manager Sean Dyche had high praise for centre-back pair Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski. Branthwaite made a return to the starting line-up against West Ham United and immediately made an impact, showcasing his value to the team. While Michael Keane has been performing well in Branthwaite’s absence, the young defender has shown signs of being a potentially exceptional talent. Former Everton winger Pat Nevin even went as far as to label Branthwaite as the best young centre-half in European football, comparing his potential to that of Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk during his time at Celtic.
Branthwaite’s physicality, ability to read the game, and skill on the ball were on full display in the recent match. His presence on the field not only improved his own performance but also had a positive influence on his teammates. Vitalii Mykolenko, who struggled in the previous game, looked more confident and composed with Branthwaite by his side. Additionally, Tarkowski’s aggressive challenges, which had been a concern in recent matches, were not needed with Branthwaite’s calming presence in the defense.
Overall, Branthwaite’s return to the starting line-up has been a significant boost for Everton. His performance against West Ham United highlighted his potential to be a key player for the team in the future. As the young defender continues to grow and develop, Everton fans can look forward to seeing more impressive displays from him on the field.
