Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton's standout centre-back, was deployed at left-back during the 2-2 draw at Hull City, a decision that raised eyebrows given his importance to the team. The 24-year-old, who has been a commanding presence at the heart of the defence this season, was asked to fill in for the injured Vitalii Mykolenko.
Mykolenko's Absence and Branthwaite's Shift
Mykolenko, who signed a new three-year contract in the summer, had played every minute of Everton's first seven matches this season and was named man-of-the-match in the goalless draw at Tottenham Hotspur. However, after winning his 55th cap for Ukraine in a 1-0 win away to Hungary on September 25, he missed his country's next three internationals with a muscle problem.
David Moyes had suggested Mykolenko might be fit for the Hull game, but he was not in the matchday squad. Michael Keane's inclusion in the starting lineup indicated that Branthwaite, rather than James Garner, would take the left-back role.
Branthwaite's Performance and Concerns
Branthwaite, who had earned an England recall for the first time in over two years, was "removed from his natural habitat" according to the report. He pushed forward regularly and provided a low cross for Thierno Barry, who failed to convert. However, the display was far from vintage, with concerns about his movement and positioning.
The article notes that Branthwaite has previously filled in at left-back in a 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion on January 31 and a 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United on February 23. But after the Hull match, many Everton fans do not want to see him deployed there again.
Historical Context and Squad Depth
Everton's left-back alternatives have been limited. In 2022/23, Ruben Vinagre played just four more minutes in the Premier League after a 20-minute outing on the opening day. Ashley Young and others have also been used, but Branthwaite and Garner were often the square pegs in round holes.
Garner, who started at left-back last season and scored from that position in a 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, remained in midfield against Hull. Central midfield is well-stocked, with Hayden Hackney, Charly Alcaraz, Merlin Rohl, and Christian Norgaard on the bench.
Moyes, a former centre-back, sees Branthwaite in training daily and makes these calls, with Leighton Baines now serving as first-team coach. Baines himself had to wait for his chance after his £6million move from Wigan Athletic in 2007, when Joleon Lescott was preferred at left-back.
Branthwaite, who had hamstring problems last season and made only 10 appearances, is described as a "Rolls-Royce of a defender" that Everton will be desperate to keep fit. The article concludes: "You don't go off-roading with such a luxury vehicle."
