After a fruitful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven and a triumphant European Under-21 Championship with England, 21-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite has his sights set on breaking into the Everton first team, writes the LiverpoolEcho. The young centre-back has returned to Finch Farm with renewed confidence and experience, determined to secure his spot in Sean Dyche’s plans.
During his loan stint in the Netherlands, Branthwaite played a crucial role in PSV Eindhoven’s successful campaign, helping the Dutch giants finish second in the Eredivisie and clinch the KNVB Cup. He made more than 30 appearances for the club and showcased significant growth as a player.
His achievements caught the attention of several clubs, and even before Dyche’s appointment as the Blues’ manager in late January, the new boss reached out to the talented defender. With the departures of Conor Coady and Yerry Mina, and the potential exit of Mason Holgate, Branthwaite finds himself on the verge of breaking into the Everton first team.
Reflecting on his development over the past year, Branthwaite expressed his satisfaction with his time at PSV Eindhoven: “It was a good experience for me. The aim when I went out on loan was to play games, so to get more than 30 appearances in the season, it was successful for me and the team. It was a really beneficial loan, and I enjoyed it. I developed a lot as a person and a player.”
Now back at Everton, Branthwaite is eager to build on his experiences and secure regular first-team action. His goal is clear: “For me, I know I need to come in, have a strong pre-season, and secure a place for next season. I have got the experience I need to come back and get into the team. Overall, I need to have a strong pre-season and go from there.”
With determination and newfound confidence, Branthwaite is ready to compete for a spot in the first-choice centre-back pairing of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane. The young defender’s journey has brought him to this point, and he is prepared to make a significant impact at Everton in the upcoming season.