Blackburn Rovers is the ideal destination for Jarrad Branthwaite [Opinion]

Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked with a switch to Championship promotion chasers Blackburn Rovers in a move which would be ideal for the youngster’s development.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the former Carlisle prospect is on the radar of Tony Mowbray’s side, but it remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti and Marcel Brands will sanction a move away from Goodison Park for the youngster.

A move to Ewood Park would see Branthwaite become the second youngster to join Blackburn on loan from a Merseyside club after Liverpool prospect Harvey Elliot signed for Rovers on loan in the summer transfer window.

Although he features as a winger, Elliot’s spell has proven that Mowbray is willing to place his trust in youth, so long as they can perform. That could carve a path for Branthwaite.

Elliot has been a mainstay of Mowbray’s plans. He has featured 18 times this season, scoring four goals and setting up a further six in the process. For a 17-year-old, those are impressive figures for such a competitive league.

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Initially signed for the Everton under-23s, Branthwaite has echoed his Liverpool counterpart in showing real promise before he hits his 20s. He has made four Premier League appearances so far this season and also impressed in his Carabao Cup outings.

Equally, Mowbray’s progressive 4-3-3 system mans that the 18-year-old’s two-footed nature could make him a dynamic option.

Branthwaite’s passing abilities and robustness means he could meaningfully compete with more experienced options, ultimately giving him an edge in his development which would benefit Everton in the long run.

The only caveat remains as to whether he would be afforded guarantees of regular minutes if he joins Elliott on loan at Blackburn.