Jarrad Branthwaite thinks Everton do have the quality in their squad to compete for European qualification this season.
The openness of the Premier League has allowed David Moyes’ side to remain in the hunt for a European spot despite their poor recent form.
It is coming up to three months without a Premier League victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for Everton.
Moyes is targeting European qualification with Everton, but a lack of consistency is really costing the Toffees.
Questions are being asked among the fanbase on TalkingPoints over whether Everton have a squad that would be capable of even competing in a European competition.
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Everton manager David Moyes on Europe.
However, Branthwaite has suggested there is more than enough quality at Finch Farm to secure a spot in Europe for next season.
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Jarrad Branthwaite is backing Everton’s ‘quality’ to secure European qualification
Everton refused to sell Branthwaite over the summer, with the defender’s new contract signalling the club’s intent to progress.
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Speaking to the Everton media team through X, Branthwaite has said there’s enough quality in the Everton side to push for a special end to the season.
Will Everton need European football to keep Iliman Ndiaye? 😬
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Iliman Ndiaye ahead of playing for Everton.
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“I think we’ve got to have high ambitions for the club,” said the defender.
“We’ve got great players in the squad, so I think we need to be ambitious. We need to push for Europe. I think that’s where the club can be and where we need to be.”
Jack Grealish will miss the remainder of the season through injury, with the 30-year-old’s eight goal contributions needing to be covered by his replacements.
Consistency is going to be key for Moyes and his side over the remaining months of the season.
Everton’s record at the Hill Dickinson Stadium will cost them a place in the European spots if they are unable to start winning more regularly at the new ground.
Everton nervous over top players receiving Champions League interest
Those inside Everton expect interest in Branthwaite and Iliman Ndiaye this summer from Champions League clubs.
The prospect of keeping both players could hang on whether the Blues are able to secure their spot in Europe for next season.
Moyes has noticed Ndiaye get back up to speed after a sluggish return from the Africa Cup of Nations back in January.
Although Ndiaye may receive interest from other clubs in the summer, he also needs to show more consistency if Everton are going to secure European football.
With just one goal since November – albeit having missed time through AFCON – a lot of responsibility rests on Ndiaye improving his form on Merseyside.
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