Jarrad Branthwaite’s development at Everton has been ‘astronomical’ in recent months, U23 coach David Unsworth told the Liverpool Echo.
Back in July, a teenage centre-back signed from Carlisle United was taught a cruel lesson just seconds into his Premier League debut.
Mere moments after coming off the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Branthwaite conceded a free-kick and then left Leander Dendoncker free to score the second in a thumping 3-0 win for the hosts.
But rather than let such a disastrous debut get the better of him, Branthwaite put those mistakes to the back of his mind and immediately set out showing why Everton, and countless other Premier League clubs, were keen to sign him in January.
The £1 million signing was a picture of confidence and class in clashes with Aston Villa and Sheffield United, earning the respect of Carlo Ancelotti and thrusting himself immediately into the first-team picture.
So much so that he can now consider himself a genuine first-team option going forward.
“He looks great on the ball, he defends properly, he’s a presence and he certainly looked like a young first team player stepping down,” Unsworth said.
“His development has been astronomical since joining. He was a little nervous at first and we had to give him a bit of time to settle and he played in a few games.
“But then he got an early opportunity. We say to these boys all the time that they’ve got to be ready and when that opportunity comes you’ve got to take it.”
Unsworth adds that Branthwaite has been training with Ancelotti’s first-team for the past month, having recovered from an injury-interrupted start to the season.
And, as you might expect given those comparisons with Declan Rice and Michael Carrick, the 18-year-old can fill in effectively in midfield too if required.
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