Everton have forged some outstanding youngsters throughout their illustrious history.
With an academy famed for its youth production, and a scouting system that has always found a way to identify talent from across the country and beyond, some of their record sales and current first-team stars have come up through Finch Farm.
It is a pretty regular source of success for a club that seldom enjoys such a feeling, and as such the fanbase celebrates youth unlike many others in the Premier League.
However, in one man, they might just have one of the division’s outstanding young players. Pat Nevin certainly thinks so.
Pat Nevin praises Everton youngster
Asked by a fan to name the Premier League player who he has loved watching this season, pundit Nevin had too many to simply offer up just one in his BBC Football Extra newsletter (7:01 pm, May 6, 2024).
And whilst Kaoru Mitomo caught his eye last year, of which he expressed regret over his injury this season, players with flair like Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Cole Palmer are the latest subjects of his affection.
Then going on to discuss where the latter might fit in within the England setup, he could not finish without offering a special mention to one Everton star who has taken the Premier League by storm this campaign.
It may seem like a footnote, but Nevin has been raving about Jarrad Branthwaite all season, and this time he simply wrote: ‘Oh yes and keep an eye on Jarad Branthwaite, he could be next year’s breathtaking breakthrough player.’
Jarrad Branthwaite has already broken through
Whilst Nevin’s sentiment is right, it could be argued that it is somewhat unfair to suggest that Branthwaite will break through next season. He already has done!
This season has been one of mass growth for the 21-year-old, who took all he learned during an impressive loan spell at PSV Eindhoven and translated it into a stunning first full debut campaign in the Premier League.
Not once has he looked out of his depth or overawed by the occasion, and alongside James Tarkowski these two have formed the foundation of one of the best defences in the entire division.
This is made even more impressive given the bulk of that campaign was spent battling the drop.
With Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Arsenal already sniffing around him too, just to name a few of those interested, it is clear that the big clubs are well aware that he has broken through too.
Hopefully, he can give the Toffees at least one more year before he inevitably departs for the apex of world football.