Former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand has singled out one Everton player who is “going straight to the top” in a glowing vote of confidence.
Having said farewell to Goodison Park, Everton are looking to build on their 13th-place finish and avoid a relegation battle in the new Premier League season.
The Toffees’ defence was at the heart of their improvement under David Moyes last season, as they conceded just 44 goals in the Premier League to finish 23 points clear of the bottom three.
Everton’s strength in defence has allowed Moyes to focus on bringing in attacking options. TBR Footballrevealed that The Toffees are chasing Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla, alongside their bid to sign rising Southampton star Tyler Dibling.
Now, former England international Rio Ferdinand has praised a member of Moyes’ back four who was at the heart of their improvement last season.
TNT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand looks on during match between Aston Villa and Fulham
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Rio Ferdinand praises talented Everton defender
Speaking on Talksport, Ferdinand gave his view on Everton’s centre-back pairing of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the new Premier League season.
According to Ferdinand, the pair were “the bedrock” of Everton’s survival in the top flight last season, and Branthwaite will be crucial to their hopes again next season.
Ferdinand said: “I think they were the bedrock of that team in terms of staying up and remaining a Premier League team.
“Yeah, James Tarkowski has been – I think he’s been exceptional. I think the first time he missed any minutes last season was when he got injured. He’s been an absolute – I think – rock for them, and I think he’s been a huge help for someone like Jarrad [Branthwaite].
“Anyone I speak to – whether it’s Ashley Young or David Moyes, who have had the chance to play with or coach him – they all unanimously say he’s going straight to the top.”
Jarrad Branthwaite in action during Everton FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
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Jarrad Branthwaite was at the heart of the best defence outside of the top four
Branthwaite played 30 times in the Premier League last season as Everton’s defence grew into one of the most miserly in the competition across the course of the season.
After conceding 13 goals in their first four games, Moyes’ side conceded more than twice in a game on just one occasion across the other 34 games, in a 4-0 defeat against Manchester United in December.
Everton’s Defence in 2024/25 Total
Goals Conceded 44
Average Goals Against per game 1.16
Clean Sheets 12
Overall, by conceding just 44 goals across the entire season, Everton had the best defence outside of the top four, conceding just three goals more than eventual champions Liverpool.
Having tied Branthwaite down to a new five-year deal in July, which keeps him at the club until 2030, Everton look well placed for another solid season at the back.