Alious
The situation at Everton demands clear-headed decision-making, particularly regarding the deployment of their most talented players. Among these, Jarrad Branthwaite stands out as a critical asset who, in my assessment, should be reintegrated into the starting lineup for the Southampton fixture.
While the club’s cautious approach to his recovery was understandable – managing both a summer-disrupting groin issue and a subsequent quad injury following his brief return against Crystal Palace – the time for prudence may have passed. Sean Dyche’s decision to grant him additional recovery time during the Ipswich Town match, which resulted in both a victory and clean sheet, proved justified at that moment.
However, the landscape has shifted. My view is that Branthwaite should have been restored to the starting eleven for the Fulham encounter, and his inclusion against Southampton now seems imperative. Despite securing a point against Fulham, the team’s performance revealed concerning structural issues, particularly in terms of tactical cohesion. The disconnection between attacking units, midfield, and defense created problematic gaps that had dual negative consequences: isolating Dominic Calvert-Lewin in advanced positions while allowing opposition players like Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith-Rowe excessive space to advance with the ball, as evidenced by Iwobi’s goal.
While Branthwaite’s return wouldn’t address all tactical concerns – the midfield requires attention regardless of defensive personnel – his exceptional pace and athletic abilities would enable a higher defensive line. This adjustment could compress playing areas and reduce the tactical gaps that have been exploited by opponents.
The psychological impact of his return shouldn’t be underestimated either. His presence would likely boost team morale while simultaneously creating apprehension among opponents, who would have to contend with one of England’s most promising young defenders.
Though Everton’s current five-game unbeaten run and relatively solid defensive record (conceding just three goals during this streak) might argue against lineup changes, pragmatism should prevail. Drawing a parallel with Liverpool, one wouldn’t expect them to hesitate in reinstating Virgil van Dijk after a brief absence, regardless of Joe Gomez’s performance in his stead.
The key consideration isn’t whether Branthwaite should return, but rather how to optimize his reintegration. Several options present themselves: Michael Keane has shown good form recently, while James Tarkowski, who has played through injury this season, might benefit from a rest. An alternative approach could involve shifting to a three-defender system, though Dyche’s tactical preferences might resist this option, despite having employed it successfully in the past, notably in the victory at Burnley last season.
Regardless of the specific tactical approach chosen, Branthwaite’s return appears crucial as an initial step toward strengthening Everton’s spine – a fundamental requirement for the team’s continued progress.
Alious
