Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has singled out a perhaps surprising figure in the Toffees first-team squad for his pacey attributes.
Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, formerly of League Two outfit Carlisle, was namechecked by the 23-year-old as being among one of the fastest players in the squad despite his position. The teenager was singled out when Calvert-Lewin was asked who stood the best chance of winning a race among the whole squad.
The 18-year-old was referenced by his centre-forward teammate in an interview with Sky Sports, in quotes obtained via the News and Star. Calvert-Lewin said: “I think if it was a flat out race, 100-metere race, you would have me, Ben Godfrey, probably Jarrad Branthwaite and I probably have to throw Richie [Richarlison] in there.”
Branthwaite appears frequently for the Everton under-23s, with his most recent outing coming in a 1-1 draw with their Blackburn Rovers counterparts in Premier League 2.
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Since joining the setup at Goodison Park as a future prospect in defence, Branthwaite has managed five first team appearances.
He is looking to force his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s thinking after facing a spell on the sidelines, and his speed could prove to be a useful edge in differentiating himself from other defensive options.
Although Ben Godfrey equally occupies both his position and a place on Calvert-Lewin’s list of speedsters, pace is never a bad attribute for modern centre-backs to have in an era of dynamic wingers and rapid number nines.
It may even serve Branthwaite well in the short-term. Perhaps that key attribute could make him an attractive loan prospect for clubs elsewhere if Everton feel that he would benefit from more regular senior game-time out on loan.
