Manchester United are looking at an England centre back to be a leader in their backline of years to come.
The Red Devils are expected to submit a third bid for Jarrad Branthwaite, The Times reports, to try and break Everton’s resolve.
The comparisons are already being drawn between current Manchester United centre back, Harry Maguire, and potential future signing Jarrad Branthwaite, to see how they match up and if the Evertonian star will make a good replacement.
Jarrad Branthwaite is Premier League proven
One of the biggest arguments for signing Jarrad Branthwaite is that he is already accustomed to the rigours of the Premier League. He will not need time to adjust to the physicality, just to the tactics that Erik Ten Hag wishes to deploy.
He was a standout star in a very impressive Everton defence this past season. One of the under looked at shocks of the season were how good the Toffees were at the back.
Looking at their numbers Everton had the fifth best xG conceded data and fourth best actual goals against, and a lot of this was down to the heroics of Branthwaite himself.
Branthwaite a stylistic fit for United
What Manchester United will lose if Harry Maguire leaves this summer is a great ball playing centre back, but who lacks pace. But this is not an issue for Branthwaite.
The 22-year-old centre back is a much better fit for the team. Lisandro Martinez is an excellent ball progressor, but not particularly quick. This is where Branthwaite can form the perfect partnership with his new teammate.
Incredible in the air, Branthwaite wins 68.6% of aerial duels, in the top 12% in Europe and he is also the eighth fastest centre-back in the Premier League, according to data from the BBC. This allays fears of the Manchester United line being susceptible to being countered and caught out for pace.
Also, even though Branthwaite is left-footed, he is one of the most two-footed players in the Premier League. That means he would be comfortable playing at right centre-back with Martinez or left centre-back if the club sign Mathias De Ligt.
According to the Athletic, quoting data from Statsbomb, Branthwaite uses his right foot 41% of the time and his left 59% of the time showing his comfort with either.
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Quality and Strength In Depth
Branthwaite is an ideal partner for his centre-back partner, but his quality in defence is also outstanding.
Even though he is young for a centre back he already has some of the best defensive data in Europe that far surpasses that of Harry Maguire.
Looking at his numbers from FB Ref there is a glut of top statistics amongst defenders in Europe’s top leagues.
He makes 1.91 tackles per 90, in the top 20%, his dribblers tackled per 90 is phenomenal, being in the top 7% in Europe, and he is also brilliant at shots blocked and interceptions.
Also, some of his less impressive data will have been impacted by the fact he was playing for Everton, who spent much of the season fighting relegation.
Manchester United are in need of defensive assets and this deal could work alongside the well-documented pursuit of Mathias De Ligt. The club should push for both as there are a lot of outgoings in the backline, they need strength in depth and the terrible defensive record last season needs to be rectified.
Jarrad Branthwaite may be worth the price tag
This is a once in a generation signing. The acquisition of Branthwaite will set up the backline for probably over a decade and so the high price now is worth it if you split it over the course of his career. It seems savvy to move now and secure his signing.
Branthwaite is clearly one of the finest young centre backs in the world and it is fantastic forward planning for Manchester United to bolster the backline with his purchase this summer. There is a reason Everton have set a high asking price, as he will be an incredible addition to Manchester United’s team.
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