Süleyman Öztürk of Football International praised the Everton youngster as “the opener of the season”.Branthwaite has been strong for Everton this season after returning from a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last summer.
Sean Dyche didn’t immediately put him in the starting line-up, but a string of disappointing results early in the season forced him to change his tactics and he was rewarded for it. Branthwaite has taken to Premier League football like a duck to water, forming a defensive partnership with James Tarkowski who is currently one of the best in the league in terms of defensive attributes. His impressive form continued at the weekend with a brilliant defensive display in the 2-0 win over Chelsea, keeping the likes of Armando Broja, Cole Palmer and later Nicolas Jackson quiet.After the match, journalists and pundits alike praised his performance, which extended to Holland, where Öztürk was so impressed that Liverpool had to go all out to secure the Everton player’s signature.
“I think his years in the Dutch Eredivisie were good times for him,” he said.”You mentioned his footballing ability, which is also seen at PSV, and I think his position is also excellent. I thought he was very strong against Chelsea striker Brojah.“Micah Richards mentioned him on Match of the Day and it was interesting because we picked a moment that was interesting, a moment where he didn’t bite but stayed central, like Van Dijk in his prime. “It’s a deterrent.
He stops and waits. His lock time is exceptional. He has the length, the football skills and the huddle time. He is only 21 years old and has a coach named Sean Dyche who focuses on defense and organization. He coached several defenders. “If I was Liverpool, I would buy him as a replacement for Van Dijk. I think it’s the season opener for Everton in the Premier League. He is the defensive leader of an already struggling club. “It’s not easy breaking into Sean Dyche’s first team at 21.”
Everton’s rising star Jarrad Branthwaite is the natural successor to Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool must now consider him as a long-term replacement.
