Manchester City were recently linked with defender Jarrad Branthwaite – and his performance for Everton against West Ham United on Sunday was impressive to say the least.
Sunday was a good day for City, as they beat rivals Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford courtesy of two goals from Erling Haaland and one from Phil Foden.
Some City fans may have tuned in to watch the Premier League game that was on before the derby between West Ham and Everton.
The Toffees ran out 1-0 winners at the London Stadium, which was a great result for Sean Dyche. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin grabbed the headlines after getting the game’s only goal.
But many were left very impressed by the performance of Branthwaite – a player recently linked with the Citizens – at the back for Everton.
Jarrad Branthwaite shines against West Ham United, after recent Manchester City transfer links
Branthwaite was starting for Everton for the eighth game in a row – and it was a really solid display from the English centre-back.
Branthwaite made a whopping 10 clearances according to Sofascore, which was more than double any other player on the field. He also made a couple of tackles and a couple of interceptions.
A lot of defenders in the Premier League have trouble when they come up against Michail Antonio.
The West Ham striker is very physical and can be difficult to contain. But Branthwaite handled him well, with Antonio reduced to just 22 touches and zero shots on goal.
Branthwaite’s commanding performance comes after he was recently linked with City.
It was claimed that City are keeping an eye on the 21-year-old’s development at Goodison Park. Any City scouts watching him against West Ham will likely have been impressed.
Micah Richards brands Man City target ‘exceptional’
Former City defender Micah Richards was on punditry duty on Sky Sports at the weekend. And he was left impressed with Branthwaite’s display.
He said of the youngster (Sky): “Branthwaite has been exceptional. You see him involved for the goal, stepping out, winning it, and that touch is just marvellous. An excellent, excellent away win for them.”
The Liverpool Echo also raved about Branthwaite. They gave him an 8/10 rating and said: “The young defender just keeps getting better and better. Didn’t put a foot wrong from a defensive point of view and made three great tackles inside the opening 15 minutes. Also played a key role in Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal.”
He is certainly a player to keep an eye on for City fans moving forward. At the moment, Pep Guardiola has a very strong pool of defensive options. But Branthwaite, who’s been compared to John Stones, looks like he could be the real deal.
