Jarrad Branthwaite has already admitted he’d prefer to be playing at centre-back for Everton instead of left-back.
David Moyes deployed the Everton defender at left-back once again for their narrow defeat against Manchester United.
Following his return from injury, Branthwaite has now played at left-back twice instead of Vitalii Mykolenko.
Despite having previously filled in for the Ukraine international due to injury, Branthwaite was given the nod over Mykolenko on Monday evening.
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However, following the game, Branthwaite has admitted he would prefer to be playing in his natural position.
Outside the Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of Everton vs Manchester United.
Credit: GRV Media
Jarrad Branthwaite wants to return to his natural Everton centre-back spot
Ironically, Moyes claimed Branthwaite is more than happy to play at left-back as he cited Manchester City’s ability to deploy centre-backs at full-back.
Speaking after the game, the same sentiment was not exactly echoed by Branthwaite, who admitted he’d rather be playing in his natural spot.
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“The manager asked me to play there again and I’m happy to if it keeps me on the pitch,” Branthwaite told EvertonTV.
“Obviously I’d like to be at centre-half, but, you know, I’m always happy to be on the pitch and helping the team.”
Moyes has admitted he wants a new full-back signed at Everton and that notion was apparent on Monday as the Blues played without a natural full-back.
Both Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson were made to watch from the bench at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and neither were brought on.
Branthwaite’s performance at left-back vs Man United
Branthwaite played the full 90 minutes at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the left-back spot despite having the natural option on the bench.
Moyes has demanded his full-backs to improve their distribution since he returned to the club last year.
However, Branthwaite was unable to deliver in an attacking sense, with none of his attempted crosses hitting their intended target.
Branthwaite vs Man Unied Total
Successful tackles 0/3
Aerial duels won 5/8
Dibbled past 2
Accurate passes 0/2
Given how James Tarkowski and Michael Keane came undone for United’s winning goal, Moyes will have to decide carefully who starts at centre-back on Saturday.
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