Everton have made remarkable strides forward this season, although the league table might not exhibit it.
After all, two deductions in one season are always bound to skew the figures.
Were it not for those punishments, Sean Dyche would currently have his side sitting 13th in the Premier League, just one win away from tenth.
Much of that success has been owed to their defensive excellence, with one pundit now highlighting two players who offer the bedrock from which their fine form has been forged.
Michael Brown praises Everton’s rock-solid defence
Speaking to BBC Sport, mid-way through the Toffees’ clash with Brentford yesterday, pundit Michael Brown offered his verdict on an Everton partnership which has provided the foundation for their success this season.
Having enjoyed spells with Manchester City, Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur during his playing days, the midfielder graced the top-level of English football after first bursting onto the scene at Maine Road.
However, his rise has not been nearly as meteoric as Jarrad Branthwaite’s, whom he sought to laud alongside James Tarkowski.
Brown claimed: ‘The pairing of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite is perfect.
‘Everyone has been talking about Branthwaite this season, speculating where he might go, what’s next for him. But he is learning off someone who is so consistent in Tarkowski, a seasoned campaigner now. He is so solid.’
Everton have to keep Jarrad Branthwaite for another season
Whether it means they turn down the £100m touted fee for him this summer, Everton have to do everything in their power to ensure that their 21-year-old superstar does not depart this summer.
After all, there is simply no sum of money that could replace what he offers to this side, providing the injection of pace and physicality needed alongside the slower legs of Vitaliy Mykolenko, James Tarkowski and Ashley Young.
The young defender has been a bright spark in an otherwise dull campaign, shining at the back with immeasurable confidence and compactness.
After all, he has been a mainstay in a defence which has kept the second-most clean sheets in the Premier League, with only the top three conceding less.
His personal contribution to these outstanding figures are exhibited in the 4.4 clearances, 1.9 tackles and 5.5 ball recoveries per game he is averaging in the league, via Sofascore.
Even if Everton have to sell a few other assets to balance the books, Branthwaite cannot be allowed to leave. Not quite yet, when there is still so much progression to be made under Dyche.