Jarrad Branthwaite has discussed his mindset ahead of Everton’s upcoming Premier League season, revealing he is keen to make a positive impression on manager Sean Dyche.
Both he and James Garner were late returnees to Finch Farm following their triumphant campaign with England Under-21s at the European Championships this summer.
The 21-year-old defender produced a strong display in his first game of pre-season, featuring during an improved second-half showing, which saw the Blues claim victory over Stoke City through Amadou Onana’s late goal.
Reacting to a positive performance, Branthwaite spoke to evertontv about his return to action, while also outlining his eagerness to impress Dyche ahead of Everton’s Premier League opener.
“It felt brilliant,” he said. “It was my first game of pre-season, so it was nice to get minutes on the pitch again and to play in front of the fans.
“[Training has] been good. It’s been tough, like I expected. We need to get up to speed, especially the ones who came in late, as quick as we can, so we’re ready for the new season. We’ve been in hard sessions and double sessions, but I’m enjoying it.
“Every time I step on the pitch, I have to give a good account of myself. I know I’m good enough to play in the team, so every time I step over that white line, I give everything to put in good performances.
“Hopefully, the manager has a decision to make for the first game of the season.”
For the Blues, the result against Stoke represents a third win out of four unbeaten pre-season games, and out of those matches, the Toffees have conceded just once.
Branthwaite, who featured in 27 league games last season while on loan for PSV Eindhoven, a team that recorded the second-most victories in the Eredivisie, recognises the significance of building momentum through consistently winning matches.
“I think any game you play; you have to play to win, play to keep clean sheets, and give 100%,” said the young defender.
“I think the way we’re going with the clean sheets and the win today; it’s only going to build momentum towards the last game of pre-season and then the first game in the league.”
Everton play their final fixture of pre-season on Saturday afternoon, as the Blues take on 19-time Primeira Liga winners Sporting Clube de Portugal at Goodison Park.
Touching on the squad’s excitement ahead of Everton’s Merseyside return, Branthwaite added: “Goodison is brilliant, our fans are great, and I think everyone’s ready to get back there for the last pre-season game and to get a win, put in a good performance, and to get us in full swing for the season."
