‘He can be a star’ Graeme Souness makes new Jarrad Branthwaite admission as Everton ‘star’ one to watch in 2024

Graeme Souness has named Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as one of his five gems to watch in world football in 2024, admitting the Toffees man ‘might be a star”.

The 21-year-old has been a revelation at the heart of Sean Dyche’s defence this season, impressing alongside James Tarkowski as the Toffees have fought off a 10-point deduction to climb out of the Premier League’s relegation zone.

Souness has been so impressed by Branthwaite’s displays that he has included him alongside Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold in a list of five stars to watch out for in 2024, suggesting he could make England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Writing for the Daily Mail on Friday (29 December) he said: “Here is a young defender, 21 years old, who has the full range of qualities — physique, pace and ability on the ball. And he looks like he can really defend in the left-sided centre-half position. If he’s showing that ability at this age, it’s a good sign.

“Given England’s situation at the back — where they are not overwhelmed with left-sided defenders, six months out from the Euros Branthwaite could still push himself into contention.

“There’s no telling, as a manager, which young players will do the job for you. You can have them training with the first team and playing in the reserves but put them on a pitch on Saturday afternoon in front of 50,000 people and it can be too much for them.

“Others just relish being in the first team and are telling you: ‘This is my stage. Let me off the leash.’ Branthwaite is in the second category. His physical attributes and handling of the ball suggest he might be a star.”

Supporters don’t need to be told just how good Branthwaite can be. The Toffees centre-back has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and seems to be able to deal with whatever obstacle is thrown in his way.

On the ball, he has the quality of a defender like John Stones, but he also has a physical presence that rivals James Tarkowski. The sky is the limit for Branthwaite and Everton supporters will just be hoping that he reaches that ceiling at Goodison Park.

If he maintains this form, he will have to be under consideration for the England squad to make the trip to Germany this summer. He has all the tools to be a success under Gareth Southgate’s management.

Everton will have to be prepared to face interest from giants of both the Premier League and Europe both in January and the summer. Hopefully, they can ward it off and keep Branthwaite on Merseyside for a while yet.

In other Everton news, Jamie O’Hara has shared a fresh relegation prediction following the Toffees defeat to Manchester City