Troy Deeney has named Jarrad Branthwaite in his latest Premier League Team of the Week, and can’t help but wonder if he hadn’t missed so much football through injury.
The Toffees recorded a brilliant win at the weekend over Newcastle United.
It was another victory on the road for Everton, who won 3-2 at St. James’ Park.
Who was your Man of the Match from that incredible game? 🤩
Not sure how you're going to only pick one…
Newcastle United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Everton played brilliantly, and showed great fight to still win the game after being pegged back twice.
Jarrad Branthwaite opened the scoring for Everton, and produced yet another solid performance at the back.
The defender is a pick for Troy Deeney in his latest Team of the Week, and the pundit has one burning question some Evertonians will also have.
What might have been if not for Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury
Jarrad Branthwaite pointing for Everton.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Deeney told BBC Sport: “Most people will see the goal he scored, but the huge block in the game, and a natural partner to James Tarkowski, gives the rest of his team a sense of calm because they have a top quality centre-back in the ranks.
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“Top performance. If he was fit all season, who knows where Everton would be.”
It was indeed a top performance from Branthwaite, who got the ball rolling for Everton with a great header, before going on to win 100 of his duels (6/6).
It is a welcome sight for Everton fans, with Branthwaite having returned from injury at the end of January against Leeds.
Sadly, he was forced to miss the first half of the season because of a hamstring injury that he picked up in pre-season that would eventually require surgery.
Pickford – who made a stunning save against Newcastle – was also selected by Deeney, with David Moyes named manager of the week.
Everton miles better for having Branthwaite back
It is something that a lot of Everton fans will also be wondering about Branthwaite.
Obviously Everton are doing well at the moment and currently sit eighth in the table, and are probably exceeding expectations that were set at the start of the season.
Jarrad Branthwaite celebrates scoring for Everton.
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
However, before Branthwaite’s return against Leeds, Everton were 11th. Since he started playing again, the Toffees have moved up to eighth.
We’re already being reminded of his quality despite such a long time out, and one does wonder if Everton may actually be a few points and places higher if Branthwaite had been available.
He is simply a class act, and thankfully he appears to have hit the ground running straight away since coming back.
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