‘Oozes quality’ - Everton star wanted by rivals after brilliant derby showing

Everton may have succumbed to their city rivals during the Merseyside derby but one player can certainly hold his head high.

Jarrad Branthwaite, at 21, has been hugely impressive since stepping into the team in the third game of the season and he may only have played a total of 21 times for Everton, but he looks as if he’s been at this level for years.

The reality is that he hasn’t been at this level; his first Everton minutes came in the 2019/20 season as he made three consecutive apperances in the last three games of the season. But last season is when he made a real jump in playing 37 times for PSV Eindhoven, where he impressed.

From his first performance against Wolves, it was clear that he belongs at this level and he’s seemingly passed every test so far - making no real errors which is certainly impressive.

And he passed another test against Liverpool. With Ashley Young’s dismissal in the first half, he had to contend with the full force of Jurgen Klopp’s side for well over an hour.

It even got positive responses from Liverpool fans who were very impressed by his performance, with one fan saying: ‘It’s been decades since we signed someone from Everton. They’re tricky transfers and no doubt would be expensive. This kid would be worth it. Oozes quality.’

Alongside James Tarkowski, the pair held off the home side for 75 minutes and were undone by a mistake from substitute Michael Keane. One fan wrote: ‘So, so assured. Read it well again today and was composed during a game where many falter.’

He made eight clearances, one blocked shot, three interceptions, two tackles as well as one key pass and he looked unfazed under intense pressure.

He’s also one of five players to have made four interceptions in their own penalty area in the Premier League this season alongside Cristian Romero, Kurt Zouma, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes - so he’s in good company and he continues to impress.

There was even the response from centre-back partner Tarkowski, who labelled him as the fastest player in the squad which is some going considering he stands six foot five tall.

In what has been a dismal few years from a recruitment standpoint, seeing a young, aspiring player break through has been a real positive.

Prior to this weekend, we reported that Manchester City and United had been keeping tabs on him following his strong form.

The recent deal he signed with the club will keep him at Everton until 2027 and it’s likely that a big fee would be needed to prise an English, left-footed centre-back with big potential.

But, for now, he will continue to star in an Everton shirt and it will be interesting to see what the future holds.