JARRAD BRANTHWAITE SAYS PSV LOAN MOVE “REALLY HELPED” HIM DEVELOP Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite claims his season-long loan move to PSV Eindhoven helped him grow as a player.
The 21-year-old spent the previous season on loan at the Dutch powerhouses and has now returned with priceless experience in a top-tier European league.
The Cumbrian center back, who has made himself a first-choice defender alongside James Tarkowski, has been one of the Blues’ few shining stars so far this season.
With standout performances in Sean Dyche’s side becoming a weekly occurrence, the young defender says his loan spell in the Eredivisie ‘really helped’ in his development.
Speaking with Sky Sports, Branthwaite said: “It was the best thing I could’ve done. It was the best move I’ve made, when you’re young you’ve just got to play games, at any level.
Going over there was a big platform, a big stage, playing in Europe and things – and getting that solid game time continuously really helped me.”
The England U-21 star further stated that he is setting himself targets to reach the ‘next level‘, and praised the influence of Everton boss Sean Dyche.
“There’s lots of room to improve to get to the next level, which I’m working on, but that’ll come with a run of games and playing the same way that I am.
It’s nice having a coach who knows your position, knows tips he can give you, but not only me but the team.”
Branthwaite is evidencing his development with his weekly performances
Despite an horrendous start to the season for the Toffees, Jarrad Branthwaite’s performances speak for themselves, though the positivity surrounding the young defender can be backed up statistically.
The 21-year-old has retrieved possession in the defensive third more than any other Everton player, and has contributed the most forward passes for the Blues so far this season.
There’s precious little to be optimistic about at Goodison Park at the minute, but Branthwaite’s development is one reason to be excited.
