Everton fans were left in awe at one player on Monday night as they defeated European hopefuls Sheffield United.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have nothing to play for, but that didn’t matter as Richarlison headed home Gylfi Sigurdsson’s cross just one minute after half-time and they held firm to bring all three points back to Merseyside.
The Italian had a big call to make defensively with Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina out injured, he went with Jarrad Branthwaite for his full senior debut and boy did it pay off.
Should Branthwaite start next season?
Yes, 100% with Holgate
No, buy a CB!
Per SofaScore, the 6 foot 5 colossus recorded four clearances, two tackles and one block whilst he also won five duels and completed a total of 44 passes.
It’s led to high praise indeed from the Goodison Park faithful, who were watching from home. He was labelled a “Rolls-Royce” defender and also likened to Paolo Maldini.
Branthwaite is just 18 and he looked ever so comfortable out there at Bramall Lane. There was even praise for Marcel Brands for finding the centre-back with one supporter claiming that his emergence has saved them over £40m in the transfer market.
Here’s the rest of the reaction…
Jarrad Branthwaite today pic.twitter.com/f6rOfcbGJ9
— Tom 🧬 (@MoistMoise) July 20, 2020
Jarrad Branthwaite was quality today really promising stuff
— Scoutxd (@ScoutXd1) July 20, 2020
Carlo could well be moulding a great player in Jarrod Branthwaite… The Last Of The Corinthians would be made up watching this kid… #fearless #NSNO @Everton
— runnerglyn1 (@runnerglyn1) July 20, 2020
Jarrad Branthwaite is boss
— Tom young (@tomyoungefc) July 20, 2020
Branthwaite is only 18 years old & was solid. The kid still has a lot to learn but he’s been a breath of fresh air since the league has restarted. #EFC
— Jay (@JayShelley89) July 20, 2020
We have a rolls Royce of a player in branthwaite there for me.
Biggest complement you can give him is you wouldn’t have known he was 18 making his debut
— Neil Martin (@Neilo_m) July 20, 2020
Can see why we gave Branthwaite a new contract he’s clearly got so much potential
— efcTom (@EFC18786) July 20, 2020
Jarrod Branthwaite coming in on his first start, away from home, with arguably a MOTM performance is a highlight of a very mediocre season. Gives Ancelotti/Brands a bit of a headache next season I think. Positive stuff!
— Neil Tyler (@NTyler_VI) July 20, 2020
Jarrad Branthwaite was class too.. Composed, strong, good in the air.. Gotta save us some money #Efc
— Matthew Williams (@verseferg9) July 20, 2020
That Branthwaite looks class, a major step up and against a side in great form and he didn't put a foot wrong. A little bit of hope
— Tam (@Tommos_16) July 20, 2020
I am telling you now Jarrad Branthwaite has just saved us 40 million. What a player
— Tom☔️ (@TomasMurphy19) July 20, 2020
Far better tonight, good win. Played very well. Best performance since the restart. Branthwaite was outstanding
— Tony Yates (@ToffeeTosh1878) July 20, 2020
We’ve got a real player in Branthwaite. This lads got everything. 6ft+ , left footed , comfortable on the ball and strong. #efc #branthwaite #everton #premierleague #oleole
— Peter Stirrup (@peter_stirrup) July 20, 2020
Branthwaite looks an incredible prospect. 18 years old and bossing it at CB in the PL. Great scouting by the club, had only played 9 games in League 2. #EFC
— John Merro (@johnmerro1) July 20, 2020
Brands has taken some stick on here over recruitment but Branthwaite looks special. How many games had he played for CUFC? 6?
— Frank Keegan (@KeeganBig) July 20, 2020
Jarrad Branthwaite is succes of Marcel Brands. #shueve #PremierLeague #everton #PL @Everton @EvertonBlueArmy #efc
— Adam (@Adam05660647) July 20, 2020
Big up Brands for finding Branthwaite 👀👀
— Richard Lloyd (@Richlloyd1984) July 20, 2020
Branthwaite is a revelation…much respect to Carlisle and the scouts who got him
— Richard A. Hughes (@ricardofodol) July 20, 2020