Sean Dyche hails Jarrad Branthwaite as an ‘assured character’ and a ‘specimen’ after Everton youngster impresses in central defence and eyes up Euros place with England

• Jarrad Branthwaite joined Everton from League Two Carlisle three years ago
• The youngster could be eyeing up a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad
• Big debates on Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal on It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

Everton have made an unwanted habit in recent years of shoddy recruitment and signing players who do not make a return on big investments. But they now have a diamond in the rough at the back to buck that trend.

Jarrad Branthwaite was signed for £1million from Carlisle three years ago and is slowly maturing into one of the most complete young defenders in the Premier League. At the rate he is developing this season, it would be no surprise to see a Big Six club come calling soon.

Manchester United have already shown an interest in the 6ft 5in left-sided defender, but Everton fans will hope they can keep Branthwaite for a season or two more at least, with him proving a formidable defensive partner to experienced James Tarkowski.

Everton could not see out a valuable three points on Saturday but they limited a talented Brighton side to few chances and were only undone by a cruel deflected own goal when Ashley Young diverted in Kaoru Mitoma’s attempted cross.

Albion had 80 per cent possession and made 645 more passes than Everton, but could not break down the royal blue wall of Tarkowski and Branthwaite, with Young and goal-scorer Vitalii Mykolenko also in inspired defensive form.

Jarrad Branthwaite in action during Everton’s 1-1 draw with Brighton in the Premier League 

Branthwaite has formed a solid partnership with veteran centre back James Tarkowski

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Tarkowski’s form is also going under the radar this season – he has made a league-high 17 blocks – but Branthwaite is the name on most fans’ lips. Would it be too premature to talk about a potential call-up to England’s senior squad ahead of the European Championships?

He has impressed for the Under 21s and there is no reason why Branthwaite should not fancy his chances of getting on to Gareth Southgate’s radar. Former Evertonian John Stones is nailed on to start most matches, but the spot next to him feels up for grabs.

Left-footed Branthwaite is confident in possession and shows all the attributes of a modern-day defender but also is somewhat of a throwback. He is a physical specimen and seems to relish going into battle with big forwards, while his positioning and awareness is ever-improving.

‘You can never define someone’s character, but even last season speaking to him on the phone a couple of times when I first got here, I could tell he was very level, he was enjoying the experience (on loan at PSV),’ said Everton boss Sean Dyche.

‘He seemed to be quite an assured character, quite a calm character. I like that in all players, but particularly in centre halves. His adaptation has been clear to the pace and the detail of Premier League football. He continues to improve, and physically he is a good specimen.

‘He is playing in front of a very good goalkeeper (Jordan Pickford) and a very good centre half next to him in James Tarkowski, which I think helps as well. Youngy was playing next to him too, an older head speaking to him all the time, so these are the things which improve you.

‘But a lot of credit to him for taking it on himself by the way. The main focus for him is keep doing what you’re doing. He’s enjoying it.’

Sean Dyche has praised Jarrad Branthwaite’s performances and said his time spent with PSV helped his development

PLAYER RATINGS AND MATCH FACTS

Everton (4-2-3-1): Pickford 6; Young 7 (Patterson 90), Tarkowski 8.5, Branthwaite 8, Mykolenko 8; Garner 7, Gueye 7; Harrison 7, Doucoure 7.5, McNeil 7.5; Calvert-Lewin 7 (Beto 90).

Goal: Mykolenko 7′

Booked: Gueye, Doucoure, Branthwaite, Tarkowski.

Manager: Sean Dyche 7.5 

Brighton (4-3-3): Verbruggen 6; Veltman 5, Van Hecke 6, Dunk 5, Milner 6 (Buonanotte 79); Gross 6, Gilmour 5 (Dahoud 68, 6), Lallana 5 (Pedro 46, 6); Adingra 6 (Julio 90), Ferguson 6 (Fati 67, 6), Mitoma 7.

Goal: Young 84′ (OG)

Booked: Gilmour, Dunk.

Manager: Roberto De Zerbi 6.5.

Attendance: 38,683.

Referee: Tim Robinson 4.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

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