Monday Musing: Branthwaite key to a brighter future
Everton signed Jarrad Branthwaite to a new deal last week.
In the 49th minute of Saturday’s much-needed 3-0 win over Bournemouth, Jarrad Branthwaite displayed just why Evertonians are so excited at the prospect they have on their hands.
With Bournemouth looking to break quickly after Abdoulaye Doucoure was dispossessed in midfield, Phillip Billing played a ball over the top into the path of Dominic Solanke.
In seasons gone by — indeed, a large chunk of last term included — Everton’s defence could have been caught flat-footed, with the likes of Michael Keane, Conor Coady and James Tarkowski lacking the recovery pace to prevent the Toffees getting caught in transition.
But in Branthwaite, who signed a new contract last week, Everton have a defender who is perfectly adept at stopping such situations turning from threatening to terminal.
Having tracked Solanke all the way, Branthwaite — who had taken control of the situation by gesturing to Tarkowski to stay firmly out of the way — put on the afterburners to line up a perfectly timed sliding tackle. The Goodison Park crowd, in the midst of witnessing its first victory of the season, erupted. Branthwaite’s dismissive check of the Bournemouth’s forward, lying in a heap on the turf, capped off a moment that showed what he is all about.
While such situations are still an issue for Sean Dyche’s side, Branthwaite is helping hugely.
Signed from Carlisle United in 2020, the lanky 21-year-old has had to bide his time to force his way into the first-team reckoning at Everton. But after a successful loan spell at PSV, the centre-back is emerging as one of the Premier League’s best young prospects.
Linked with Manchester United and even Liverpool over the summer, Branthwaite impressed hugely at PSV, where he reunited with Everton’s former Director of Football Marcel Brands.
Branthwaite went on to make 36 appearances for PSV, starting 21 league games. Only two defenders played more times for the Dutch giants last season, and the England Under-21 international also chipped in with four goals.
While developing the ball-playing side of his game in the Netherlands, Branthwaite also showcased his ability to get the ball back, winning possession back 190 times. That was 11 more times than anyone managed for Everton last season, while his 122 clearances would have put him second in the Toffees’ 2022-23 squad, only behind Tarkowski (198). He was only dribbled past by an opponent on 10 occasions, and he has brought that robustness to the Premier League.
On the ball, Branthwaite is supremely confident. His pace and stature mean he is adept at carrying it out from the back, while he is strong with both of his feet and his short passing is, generally, excellent.
Yerry Mina, when fit and available, was an excellent distributor for Everton, but too often the Toffees’ defence has lacked the punch or drive from the back to get them onto the front foot quickly.
Branthwaite thinks positively with the ball, and sure, mistakes will happen, but it’s a valuable asset to have.
(Data via Opta Analyst)
Branthwaite might have taken the long road, but he is certainly taking great strides forward with every game he plays.
The positive signs have always been there, though.
Indeed, Carlo Ancelotti spoke glowingly of the then 18-year-old after handing Branthwaite his second Everton appearance back in the midst of ‘Project Restart’ in July 2020.
“I am really happy with him, he is really young, a kid. But he showed quality and personality and character.
“He is really calm with the ball, really comfortable, and really aggressive without the ball. He can be a fantastic player for us.”
Carlo Ancelotti to evertontv
Everton had to wait until the eighth league game of the season — and their 10th in all competitions — to claim a clean sheet, so it is not as though Branthwaite has solved their defensive woes.
Much of their issues have stemmed from individual mistakes or lapses in concentration, however — as well as some poor organisation and structure.
On Saturday, for the most part, Dyche got it spot on, and everything finally clicked going forward. Bournemouth played into Everton’s hands to an extent, but any time Solanke was able to find space, Tarkowski or Branthwaite tracked him well.
The duo have had their ups and downs, but they are at least resembling a settled partnership; in Tarkowski, a 30-year-old with plenty of Premier League experience under his belt, Branthwaite should have the ideal role model. And, in return, it’s clear that Branthwaite’s physical attributes — particularly his pace — complement what Tarkowski has to offer. Dyche might not be overly concerned with his team playing out from the back, but Branthwaite provides that option, too.
There will be some bumps in the road for Branthwaite, but Everton have made a big step in tying him down to a new deal that will run until the end of the 2026-27 season and can also be extended by a further year.
If Branthwaite carries on his upward trajectory, he could be set for the very top.
By Patric Ridge
Patric is a data journalist at Stats Perform and is a regular contributor to Toffee TV and Opta Analyst, while he has attended high-profile events including the UEFA Super Cup and 2022 FIFA World Cup.
(Follow: @PatricRidge)
