Everton’s secret weapon for the crucial Arsenal match after guidance from Manchester United legend

Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton is in Ruud health after a season playing for a Dutch superstar.

Last season, the 21-year-old spent on loan at PSV Eindhoven, managed by former Manchester United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy. Branthwaite, who was a member of England’s Under-21 European Championship-winning squad in the summer, is now reaping the benefits of his switch to the Netherlands, playing alongside James Tarkowski at the heart of Everton’s defense.

And he has no qualms about meeting championship rivals Arsenal on Merseyside on Sunday, having won the Europa League against the Gunners over a year ago in a PSV shirt. “It was a big night, a big result (winning 2-0), and it showed the quality we had in that PSV team,” he conceded. “It was fun to play on the big stage of the Europa League.”

“Moving to another country was a huge decision for me.” It was a significant risk, but it was well worth it. I played around 30 games. I played in the Champions League and the Europa League, in big games, and I won a trophy with PSV.”

There was also the chance to get some useful advise from his experienced manager. “As a striker, Ruud knew what defenders didn’t like, so he was always giving me little tips, about body positions and how to defend against different kinds of strikers, which helped me massively.” Branthwaite disclosed.

“After games, we’d go back to the practice field and watch the games on the computer.” There would be subtle differences in body shape amongst strikers, whether they were huge or swift on the half-turn ready to go in behind. That’s something I’ve learned a lot, and it’s definitely helped me come back to Everton because when you’re playing a high line, you have to be ready to turn but also get in and engage a striker.

“The whole experience matured me as a player and as a man, and I returned a much better player than I had been 12 months before.” He also has a win over Arsenal on his resume. “It might help psychologically, but it’s a different playing field with different players,” Branthwaite noted. We have top quality players at Everton, and we will give it our all. I believe we will have a strong opportunity.”

Before joining PSV, he had a loan spell in the Championship with Blackburn, where he clashed with then-Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.

“That was an insane experience.” “I would have been 18 or 19 at the time of my first loan,” he explained. “When I went to clear the ball, I accidentally kicked Dael Fry in the head.” It was clearly a red card, but it was not issued, and there was some afters in the tunnel after the game. Neil was expecting me. Nothing happened because I just kept walking down the tunnel. He was saying I should have been sent away, which I was aware of at the time. I apologized to Dael, and he accepted it.”

The steep learning curve has now resulted in a first-team opportunity at Goodison Park under Sean Dyche. “When I came back, the message was to come into pre-season and show the quality I had and fight my way into the team,” Branthwaite explained. I had to be patient at the beginning of the season, but now that I’m in the team, I have to keep working hard, displaying the quality I have, and hopefully cementing my spot.”

Jarrad Branthwaite attended Everton in the Community’s Digital Skills Lab, the region’s first community-based institution of its kind. It is open to all, providing young people with the personal and social skills they need to advance in their careers while also assisting adult learners in increasing their employability. Visit evertoninthecommunity.org for more information.

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