Everton have been impressive this season, but the bulk of their success has been forged from their steely defence.
After all, it was the area that Sean Dyche clearly detailed as most in need upon his initial appointment, and the work he has put in to now make it one of the Premier League’s most formidable is exceptional.
However, his job has been made far easier by the emergence of one player.
Handed to him on a silver platter, Jarrad Branthwaite has been a revelation at the back for the blues, and is rightly gathering praise.
Darren Bent outlines his Jarrad Branthwaite worry
Speaking last night, live on talkSPORT (29/04, 6 pm), Darren Bent and Jamie O’Hara sought to answer questions posed by the listening fans.
Requesting they send in their voice notes, one Evertonian provided a tongue-in-cheek remark regarding Branthwaite and his potential.
First asking about his performance at the weekend, the fan then questioned whether they think that the 21-year-old is the best defender in Europe.
Bent replied: ‘I thought his performance was fantastic at the weekend, blocked everything, put his body on the line. Listen, he’s got the potential to be absolutely brilliant.
‘My only issue is, it’ll be interesting to see how he fares when he comes up against better opposition, certainly playing for his country… him and Tarkowski are great at winning headers, putting their bodies on the line, but when you’ve got to have possession of the ball, move the ball, almost be comfortable in possession and starting team’s attacks…
‘But I thought at the weekend, oh my goodness, he blocked everything.’
Jarrad Branthwaite has proven his all-around quality at Everton
Whilst Branthwaite’s statistics this season might not paint the picture of a great ball-playing centre-back, there are so many contextual factors that must be considered before writing him off.
After all, simply watching the former Carlisle United man is enough to showcase his quality, as he frequently pings sprawling long balls out to his full-backs and the wingers.
However, it is clear that within Dyche’s tactical game plan, such expansive play is somewhat prohibited.
He recognised early on that this was a team lacking in quality, and to get the most out of them he needed to ensure that they remained solid and limited the potential to make mistakes.
But, when the time is right Branthwaite still finds time to flex his creative muscles, with his role in their second goal against Nottingham Forest a perfect example of that.
Offloading to the left-back, he made a great overlapping run to stride into midfield. There, Branthwaite offloaded it to James Garner, who had seen acres of space forged for him by that powerful run from his England U21 teammate.
Dwight McNeil was the eventual beneficiary, who then used that space to fire in from range and secure all three points.
To discount his quality on the ball is to admit that you have not watched enough of him this season. He really can do it all, and is unquestionably going right to the very top.
