Everton are on a nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League under David Moyes.
The Toffees were in a relegation battle at the turn of the year, but since David Moyes’ arrival, they’ve put themselves well clear of the bottom three.
Everton are 17 points clear of 18th-placed Ipswich Town, which is pretty remarkable given the predicament they were in during Sean Dyche’s reign.
The rise in form has been partly due to Moyes’ more attacking approach, which has brought the best out of Beto and Iliman Ndiaye, most notably.
Everton have also been much better at keeping the ball and progressing it forward from the back and it’s easy to see why after the statistic that’s just emerged about Jarrad Branthwaite.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
According to PFF FC’s findings, Branthwaite is statistically the most two-footed centre-back in the Premier League.
The England international, who is naturally left-footed, uses his right foot 37 per cent of the time, which is quite remarkable.
Branthwaite is really comfortable with his weak foot and is one of the key cogs in Everton’s more progressive system.
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His ability in possession has given the midfielders and creative players more opportunities on the ball, instead of feeding off long balls and percentage passes down the channels.
Everton need to tie Branthwaite down to new deal
Branthwaite’s contract is due to expire in 2027, so Everton really need to tie him down to fresh terms to ward off interest.
Manchester United have been looking at Branthwaite in recent months and with just over two years left on his deal, the Toffees aren’t in a great negotiating position.
If Branthwaite doesn’t pen a new deal, this summer is the last chance to sell him for his true value of around £70m.
The Friedkin Group are reportedly preparing a contract offer.