Jarrad Branthwaite believes competition for places will continue to drive his own standards, and that of his fellow Everton defenders this season.
The 21-year-old centre-back has been one of the standout performers of the campaign so far for the Toffees. He’s started each of the past seven Premier League matches and was recently rewarded with a new long-term deal by the Club.
Along with his most frequent defensive partner this season, James Tarkowski, Branthwaite is competing for regular game time against the likes of Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey, both capped England internationals.
Reflecting on that battle for places, Branthwaite told evertontv: “It keeps you on your toes, you have to train every day as hard as you can or the other defenders will take your place in the team.
“The more competition you have, the more the performances will be better. Having that experience behind, and the pressure to perform if you want to stay in the team only helps.”
On the experience of those around him, Branthwaite also expressed his gratitude to Club captain Tarkowski for the role he has played in supporting the defender through these early weeks of the term.
“I’ve said in other interviews, that James is a big leader in the squad,” he explained. “But not only in the squad but for me playing alongside him.
“He guides me through the game and tells me little things to do. It’s a massive thing for a young player to have an experienced player next to him and hopefully, we can continue that partnership.”
Branthwaite helped England Under-21s win the European Championships in the summer, a success that came on the back of a strong season-long loan at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.
The defender considers the experience gained in those 12 months to be a huge factor in giving him the confidence to produce the sort of commanding displays seen since returning to the Blues.
“Coming into the Premier League, it’s the best league in the world, the hardest league in the world,” he added. “There are going to be moments where I need to adapt, being so young.
“The loan [at PSV last season] has helped get me to where I am today, recently signing a new deal and playing in the Premier League. It was a big factor in the confidence I’ve brought into this season and the performances I’ve been putting out there.
“You have to have confidence in yourself otherwise you won’t be able to show what you are made of. If you go out on the pitch with full belief in yourself and confidence then the performances will follow, I think that’s what I have done so far.
“I have taken my opportunity but I need to keep working hard, keep focused and keep those performances coming.”
