David Moyes has been handed a significant and positive selection dilemma following the return of Jarrad Branthwaite, who slotted seamlessly back into Everton’s defence during their 1-1 draw with Leeds on Friday night.
The young centre back’s reintroduction, coupled with the energising return of Africa Cup of Nations winners Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, gives the Everton boss a much needed boost and genuine options as the season enters its critical phase.
Moyes joked before the match about shouting at the Senegalese duo through the Finch Farm window, asking “what had taken them so long” to return after their triumph in Morocco. Both proved their fitness by playing the full 90 minutes, with Ndiaye, in particular, offering a spark on the left flank in the absence of the injured Jack Grealish. The winger was a constant threat, though he was denied by a block when his best chance arrived.
It was at the back where the most intriguing development unfolded. Branthwaite, whose progression has been one of the stories of Everton’s season, looked assured alongside James Tarkowski, immediately restoring a solidity that has been occasionally missing. His composure on the ball and defensive reading of the game presents Moyes with a tough but welcome choice: does he break up a partnership that has served him well, or does the talented 21 year old now demand a regular starting berth based on sheer ability?
The dilemma is a mark of the squad’s growing health. With key players returning from international duty and Branthwaite back in contention, Moyes now has competition for places at both ends of the pitch, a luxury he has rarely enjoyed during a campaign defined by grind. How he manages this newfound depth, starting with Branthwaite’s role, could be pivotal in determining whether Everton can push on and secure a top half finish.
