The Liverpool Echo called it “outrageous” that Everton player Jarrad Branthwaite was left off of the Premier League Young Player of the Year shortlist.
On May 21, Joe Thomas, the publication’s Everton writer, made the call following the defender’s call-up to Gareth Southgate’s preliminary 33-man Euro 2024 group.
Despite losing eight points due to deductions, Branthwaite has had an outstanding season helping Everton avoid relegation under Sean Dyche. The 21-year-old is currently being linked to a high-profile move to Manchester United.
“It was outrageous the youngster who was not in the running for Young Player of the Year,” Thomas added, referring to the player who was instrumental in one of the league’s top defences during his breakthrough campaign.
Giving the uncapped defender an opportunity to challenge for the England squad this summer would have been another catastrophic error, he added, clearly pleased with his inclusion.
Branthwaite’s Everton form worthy of Young Player of the Year?
Jarrad Branthwaite, who has played in 35 games and recorded 12 clean sheets, is having an amazing breakthrough season that is naturally drawing interest from outside parties.
Though he has yet to receive his first full cap, Branthwaite’s selection surprised few and Southgate’s decision was mainly accepted. He earned senior England recognition earlier this year.
There is a very high calibre of play across the board among the finalists for the Premier League’s Young Player award, which Cole Palmer won while Phil Foden won Player of the Season. However, the primary point of contention is the age cut-off.
Each year, nominees for this prize, which includes players like Foden, Erling Haaland, and Bukayo Saka, can be as many as 24.
In the view of many, Branthwaite would have very likely received a shout if it had been slightly lowered.
With only 21 years old and a swift ascent to fame, the centre defender will undoubtedly find his way into numerous Three Lions teams and award nominations in the years to come.
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