Jamie Carragher has described Everton’s young central defender Jarrad Branthwaite as “pretty special”.
This comes amid reported interest from Chelsea.
Jarrad Branthwaite, who’s just 21, has been a key starter in the Everton XI this season.
The 6ft 5in colossus is a ball-playing centre-back with so much quality in all areas of his game, so it’s no surprise he’s been linked with a potential move away from Goodison Park.
The Daily Mail claimed last week that Chelsea are among the list of clubs to enquire about signing Branthwaite from Everton at the end of the season. There’s interest in the English centre-half from Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid, too.
In addition, 90min previously claimed that Chelsea have internally discussed Branthwaite as a transfer target.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has weighed in with a glowing verdict about Everton’s 21-year-old rising star.
“Branthwaite has been outstanding… But I think this lad is pretty special and he’s a big part of why in my eyes Everton still have a great chance of staying up, him and his partnership with [James] Tarkowski,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
Chelsea target Jarrad Branthwaite
For certain, we see Branthwaite as a future England international and someone that will shine for one of the Premier League’s top clubs. Depending on what happens with Everton in their relegation fight this season, perhaps it could happen sooner rather than later.
Everton’s centre-back clearly fits the profile that Chelsea seek in the transfer window by being one of the best youngsters around in his position. He certainly ticks all the boxes you want as a modern day defender.
But our warning would be that the Blues need to prioritise certain areas of the pitch more than others in the summer. For example, bringing in a prolific No 9 should be a priority over another centre-back, albeit a very talented one with huge potential.
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