Sean Dyche spells out difference Jarrad Branthwaite will make for beleaguered Everton

Jarrad Branthwaite is fit after his groin operation and ready to return for beleaguered Everton who have just one point from their first five Premier League games

Sean Dyche claims Jarrad Branthwaite’s return will help Everton regain their defensive meaness.

Everton had the fourth-best defence in the Premier League last season and they have sorely missed Branthwaite during their difficult start. The Blues’ tally of 14 goals conceded in their first five games is the joint worst in the Premier League and a main reason why are they struggling next to bottom.

The England centre-half will feature at some stage against Crystal Palace on Saturday at Goodison Park after recovering from his groin operation and he is part of Everton’s backbone with Jordan Pickford and skipper James Tarkowski. “Every manager ideally wants a strong backbone to their side and I think they built that connection, particularly the two centre-halves,” said Blues boss Dyche.

“The keeper plays his part, but the two centre-halves have worked hard and Jarrad was one. I think that was there for all to see and the stats and facts back up what your eyes were telling you.

“I believe in my eyes and my staff’s eyes, quite obviously, but it’s good when it’s backed up in the stats and facts as well. Jarrad played very well last season and I mentioned all time that he’s still learning the depth of his role, but did super well last season, without a doubt.

“He played his part in what ended up, although an up and down season, being a very successful season.” Branthwaite’s return could not come at a better time for Everton and Dyche says his side need to show a “killer instinct” in both boxes.

“I don’t think it’s helpful when you don’t have that edge of killer instinct, that’s both boxes, by the way,” he said. “That’s not just looking at the front of the pitch. Taking responsibility at the back is always talked about, but what about the front? What about getting in the right areas? What about making that pass instead of hitting a defender, putting it in the corner rather than over the bar?

“There’re all clinical detail so I think it’s the killer instinct in both boxes. We’re working on that, trying to analyse it, trying to bring it together, but equally, trying to allow the players the freedom to take away that suggestion of nervousness.

“You’ve still got to have the freedom to go and play and enjoy the challenge that’s right in front of them. We’ve done that many times here, coming through tough periods, and we’re still coming out of a tough period.”

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