Branthwaite backs Armstrong as Everton’s next star with dressing-room joke
Jarrad Branthwaite has named Harrison Armstrong as a future star at Everton, joking that the teenager might already believe he has earned that status.
The England defender picked his 19-year-old teammate during a quick-fire interview published on the Premier League’s official X account on Wednesday. Armstrong has become a regular member of David Moyes’ first-team squad this season, making 12 appearances in all competitions and providing one assist.
Branthwaite jokes about Armstrong’s Everton status
Asked to identify a future star, Branthwaite replied: “I’ll go Harrison Armstrong again.”
He added: “He’ll think he’s the present now, though, so I’ll say he’s a future star, I’ll go him.”
Branthwaite had already chosen Armstrong when asked to name the funniest player in Everton’s dressing room. The comments were made in good humour, but also reflected the impression Armstrong has made since being given regular first-team opportunities. The midfielder has featured prominently in Moyes’ plans during the opening months of the season.
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Armstrong making his mark under Moyes
Armstrong’s work rate has been a notable part of his performances. According to FotMob figures reported by Goodison News, he has covered 115 kilometres and completed 138 sprints this season. The same report puts his passing accuracy at 86.5 per cent, while his defensive contribution includes an average of 1.88 tackles and 3.97 ball recoveries per match.
Those numbers suggest Armstrong has been willing to take on the physical demands of senior football, although there are areas of his game that can still improve. For Moyes, the emergence of a young midfielder capable of competing for a regular place provides another option in a squad that has climbed to fifth in the Premier League.
Armstrong is currently away with England Under-21s after being selected for Lee Carsley’s squad alongside Everton teammate Tyrique George. Branthwaite’s remarks offered a glimpse of the relationship between the two players and showed how highly he rates Armstrong’s potential.
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Gary Gowers is a sports journalist and the editor of Read Everton, where he leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis. He also writes about Manchester City for Read Man City and motorsport for Read Motorsport. A former accountant, he became a freelance writer in 2011 and has written for BBC Sport and Metro.
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