Exclusive interview with Peter Reid by Connor O’Neill for ECHO on Everton duo, Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Jarrad Branthwaite has adapted “tremendously well in difficult circumstances” this season, according to former Everton player Peter Reid.
The 21-year-old has been a key member of Sean Dyche’s backline alongside James Tarkowski in recent weeks. He transferred from his local team Carlisle United to Everton during the 2020 January transfer window. Since being given his first season start against Wolverhampton Wanderers in August, Branthwaite has not looked back.
Branthwaite has emerged as a source of hope for the Blues during a trying start to the season. He spent time on loan at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven last year, when he won the KNVB Cup. His performances in the Netherlands were so outstanding that the Eredivisie team was eager to acquire him permanently during the summer transfer window.
Manchester United is one of the Premier League teams who have been keeping tabs on his progress, but Branthwaite this week signed a new contract with Everton, committing his long-term future to the team. He signed a new, four-year agreement that will last through June 30, 2027.
And Reid, who was speaking exclusively to the ECHO at a celebration for The Pools’ 100th anniversary, thinks Branthwaite, who assisted England’s under-21 team in winning the European Championships in the summer, will only become better as he competes.
“I think the kid has done great,” he stated. He has a certain air about him, and he seems composed. He has been quite impressive.
He’s got a bright future, in my opinion. I enjoy him. He has excellent game reading skills, in my opinion, and I believe he can sense danger, something I appreciate in defenders.
He has handled himself really well in trying situations since, as we all know, the Blues are now going through a difficult time.
“He entered there and finished smashing. Simply put, I believe that he improves as he plays more games.Garner wasn’t the only player to stand out during the weekend’s easy 3-0 win over Bournemouth. Despite failing to score, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s ability to control the game and terrorize the Cherries in general was a game-changer for a team that had previously struggled at home this season.
When asked about the forward, Reid responded to the ECHO, “I think he’s a pretty talented footballer. “I understand what he has been going through since I had a lot of injury difficulties and he has obviously had his share.
He gets in behind and puts defenders under pressure because he wants to score, in my opinion, making him a threat and a pretty effective player.
Reid responded when asked how hard it is to be upbeat when suffering from injuries: “His injuries have been muscular, and if you can’t get on the park, it is difficult.
Every football player wants to play, so it has been disappointing for both him and Evertonians. Hopefully, he will be back soon and can get a run of games. I believe things will be alright if he wins a string of games.
