OPINIONEverton analysis – New undroppable emerges as Jarrad Branthwaite sends clear message
It was perhaps a transfer that caught supporters by surprise. But Tim Iroegbunam was not a name on the lips of supporters heading into the summer.
Everton completed the signing of Iroegbunam from Aston Villa earlier this summer, with him moving to Goodison Park for an undisclosed fee.
by TaboolaSponsored Link
Register & Receive NGN500,000 Welcome Bonus Immediately
MSport
The midfielder, who has signed a three-year deal, was Everton’s first signing of the summer and has since been followed to Merseyside by Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom and Jake O’Brien.
Sponsored Link by Taboola
Spin the Wheel at MSport. Extra ₦500,000 is Given When You Join
MSport
RELATED ARTICLES
What new transfer did in incredible five-minute burst could spark enthralling Everton changeliverpoolecho
Everton player ratings as two new transfers and one more excellent in Roma drawliverpoolecho
Iroegbunam has featured in all of the club’s pre-season matches and Dyche, speaking earlier this week, claimed that the midfielder, along with Ndiaye, were both already showing traits of what he likes to see in his players.
And on the evidence, it was easy to see where the Everton boss was coming from. Ndiaye was like a breath of fresh air when he came off the bench with just 30 minutes remaining.
He was unlucky not to score when he hit the post with a low drive, while he also created opportunities for Harrison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
TOP STORIES
1
Liverpool line-ups v Sevilla as Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz decisions made
2
Liverpool star Darwin Nunez ends social media blackout as clear transfer message sent
3
Liverpool transfer news LIVE – Martin Zubimendi decision, Anthony Gordon and Fabio Carvalho exit
by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like
Private Cardiologist | Book your video consultation
London Heart Clinic
Sponsored Link by Taboola
2024 New Mobile Stair Lifts: Perfect for Elderly, No Installation Required
Stair Lift | Search Ads
But it was Iroegbunam who really caught the eye. He was quite simply outstanding again.
Online Jobs In USA From Nigeria (Quick Call for Qualification) – High Salary
Online Jobs In USA | Search Ads
by TaboolaSponsored Links
With each passing game, he is getting better and better. So much so that he is a shoe in to start against Brighton & Hove Albion next Saturday.
One moment during the first-half summed up his performance. Having already helped Everton create an opening, he immediately won back possession with a fine sliding tackle before setting up another attack.
This might have only been a friendly, but Blues supporters still showed their appreciation for his performance by giving him a standing ovation when he was replaced late on.
And by the time those supporters headed for the exits, they did so with the name of Iroegbunam on their lips.
Evidence suggests relegation fights should be no more
And so the long emotional farewell is underway as Everton and their supporters prepare to say goodbye to Goodison Park.
The Blues might kick-off their Premier League campaign at home to Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend, but this was probably the last time we will see this famous old ground play host to an international friendly match.
However, before relocating to the club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, Sean Dyche and his side have another top-flight campaign to negotiate. If the last couple are anything to go by, then it is set to be eventful.
DON’T MISS
Liverpool agree £27.5m deal for Fabio Carvalho as Arne Slot waits on Martin Zubimendi
Liverpool have already taken first step to unlocking Anthony Gordon transfer
Amazon’s huge chocolate box with full size Maltesers, Snickers and Twix for 66p each
This time 12 months ago, the Blues welcomed Sporting CP for their final game before the start of the season. Everton claimed a 1-0 victory that afternoon thanks to a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty, but the difference a year on is clear for all to see.
A year ago, there were major questions about whether Everton’s squad was good enough to avoid another relegation battle. The club was still largely relying on Calvert-Lewin producing the goods.
And while that might still be the case in terms of goalscoring options, there is no doubt that Dyche has a much stronger squad to choose from this time around. Jake O’Brien, Tim Iroegbunam, Jack Harrison, Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom are all welcome additions.
The signings of Ndiaye and Lindstrom add some much-needed quality in the final third. While in O’Brien, Everton have another young defender on their hands who has all the attributes to go to the very top.
Compare this to last season, and the difference really is stark. Off the pitch, a lot of questions remain, especially when it comes to who will actually own Everton by the time they play their last game at his famous old ground.
It was confirmed on Friday that American billionaire John Textor made a bid for the club. His interest comes after the collapse of a deal with the Friedkin Group last month.
What happens next is anybody’s guess. We all know things are never straight forward when it comes to Everton.
But with less than a week to go until the start of the new campaign, one thing is clear: this Everton squad should be capable of doing much more than batting to avoid relegation to the Sky Bet Championship this season.
Jarrad Branthwaite sends clear Manchester United message
There was just under an hour to go until kick-off when Jarrad Branthwaite made his way alongside the perimeter of the Goodison Park pitch.
Walking with James Garner, the defender made his way down the tunnel before returning to watch his side in action. Some Blues supporters could be forgiven for thinking that last season’s game against Sheffield United could be the last time they see the England international at Goodison as an Everton player.
Of course, the former Carlisle United man has been the subject of continued speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United this summer. The Old Trafford have so far had two bids rejected for the England international.
Leny Yoro has already made the move to Manchester, while, just a few hours before Everton played here, it emerged that Matthijs de Ligt now looks set to move to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich.
In truth, the Dutchman has long looked destined to make the move to Manchester, but his arrival would mean that United have now recruited two centre-backs this summer. This is further evidence that supports the belief that Everton are growing in confidence of being able to keep hold of their prize asset this summer.
Branthwaite was once again missing here due to injury, and it looks unlikely that he will be ready to return against Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend. However, despite the continued speculation around his future, the defender very much remains an Everton player.
Taking a seat in the directors box, the centre-back watched on alongside team-mates Garner, Michael Keane and Nathan Patterson. He will no doubt have been impressed by things he saw.
Speculation, one suspects, will continue right up until the window closes on August 30. But on this evidence, the signs are good that Branthwaite will remain an Everton player heading into September and beyond.
Edoardo Bove transfer question remains
Transfer talk has dominated much of Everton’s summer. But for all the talk about possible exits, there have also been plenty of conversations held over who could be arriving at Goodison Park; five players have already arrived, but plenty more have been linked with a move to Merseyside.
One of those players who was linked with a move to Everton was Edoardo Bove. Reports from Italy earlier this summer suggested that, as well as the Blues, Bournemouth were also interested in bringing the 22-year-old to the Premier League.
SIMILAR ARTICLES TO THIS
POWERED BY
Everton face ‘very difficult’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer situation admits his former coach
Everton face ‘very difficult’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer situation admits his former coach
5
COMMENTS
Dominic Calvert-Lewin contract decision, midfield transfer – Everton squad audit before key week
Dominic Calvert-Lewin contract decision, midfield transfer – Everton squad audit before key week
Everton player ratings as Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrom excellent in Preston win
Everton player ratings as Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrom excellent in Preston win
24
COMMENTS
Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher cannot believe the transfer fee Everton received this summer
Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher cannot believe the transfer fee Everton received this summer
6
COMMENTS
Everton vs Roma LIVE – team news, kick-off time, TV channel, score, stream
Everton vs Roma LIVE – team news, kick-off time, TV channel, score, stream
12
COMMENTS
Sean Dyche is doing an unbelievable job at Everton – but I hope he changes formation
Sean Dyche is doing an unbelievable job at Everton – but I hope he changes formation
Serious takeover issues behind Sean Dyche transfer tease as Everton face double threat
Serious takeover issues behind Sean Dyche transfer tease as Everton face double threat
7
COMMENTS
I am so happy to be at Everton – now I want to show the world what I can do
I am so happy to be at Everton – now I want to show the world what I can do
Buy our Everton 2024/25 special – pre-order now from our online store
Buy our Everton 2024/25 special – pre-order now from our online store
Liverpool man facing moment of truth after failed Anthony Gordon transfer
Liverpool man facing moment of truth after failed Anthony Gordon transfer
Everton new number 10 ‘revealed’ as real star of Goodison Park gets ready to shine
Everton new number 10 ‘revealed’ as real star of Goodison Park gets ready to shine
Everton emotional farewell is about to really begin after new takeover twist
Everton emotional farewell is about to really begin after new takeover twist
12
COMMENTS
Everton transfer reality still clear after painful reminder of shortcomings
Everton transfer reality still clear after painful reminder of shortcomings
10
COMMENTS
Gnonto and Phillips sign, two sold, contract decision – Everton dream end to transfer window
Gnonto and Phillips sign, two sold, contract decision – Everton dream end to transfer window
17
COMMENTS
Industrial Robotic Arms From Mexico Are Cheaper than You Think (See Prices)
Industrial Robotic Arms | Search Ads
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Everton selection hint dropped as key players absent from training but Dele returns
Everton selection hint dropped as key players absent from training but Dele returns
Everton line-ups for Roma as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jesper Lindstrom decisions made
Everton line-ups for Roma as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jesper Lindstrom decisions made
3
COMMENTS
Online Forex Trading Platform Might Help You To Earn More!
Trading
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Everton player ratings as two new transfers and one more excellent in Roma draw
Everton player ratings as two new transfers and one more excellent in Roma draw
14
COMMENTS
New transfers, key man returns, injury doubts – Predicted Everton XI against Roma
New transfers, key man returns, injury doubts – Predicted Everton XI against Roma
These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World
5minstory.com
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Everton unearth dangerous new weapon as Dominic Calvert-Lewin sends timely reminder
Everton unearth dangerous new weapon as Dominic Calvert-Lewin sends timely reminder
What new transfer did in incredible five-minute burst could spark enthralling Everton change
What new transfer did in incredible five-minute burst could spark enthralling Everton change
6
COMMENTS
New Portable Stairlifts That Don’t Require Installation (See)
Stair Lift | Search Ads
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Everton face ‘very difficult’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer situation admits his former coach
Everton face ‘very difficult’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer situation admits his former coach
5
COMMENTS
Dominic Calvert-Lewin contract decision, midfield transfer – Everton squad audit before key week
Dominic Calvert-Lewin contract decision, midfield transfer – Everton squad audit before key week
2024 Latest Stair Lifts: Ideal for Elderly, No Installation Needed
Stair Lift | Search Ads
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Everton player ratings as Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrom excellent in Preston win
Everton player ratings as Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrom excellent in Preston win
24
COMMENTS
Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher cannot believe the transfer fee Everton received this summer
Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher cannot believe the transfer fee Everton received this summer
6
COMMENTS
Online Forex Trading Platform Might Help You To Earn More.
Trading
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Everton vs Roma LIVE – team news, kick-off time, TV channel, score, stream
Everton vs Roma LIVE – team news, kick-off time, TV channel, score, stream
12
COMMENTS
Sean Dyche is doing an unbelievable job at Everton – but I hope he changes formation
Sean Dyche is doing an unbelievable job at Everton – but I hope he changes formation
Top Scholarships In USA For Nigeria Students
Scholarships In USA | Search Ads
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Serious takeover issues behind Sean Dyche transfer tease as Everton face double threat
Serious takeover issues behind Sean Dyche transfer tease as Everton face double threat
7
COMMENTS
I am so happy to be at Everton – now I want to show the world what I can do
I am so happy to be at Everton – now I want to show the world what I can do
Best Gas Leak Detector Mexico 2024 (See The List)
Best Gas Leak Detector | Search Ads
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Buy our Everton 2024/25 special – pre-order now from our online store
Buy our Everton 2024/25 special – pre-order now from our online store
Liverpool man facing moment of truth after failed Anthony Gordon transfer
Liverpool man facing moment of truth after failed Anthony Gordon transfer
Employee Health Benefits For Small Business! (Surprising Plans)
Employee Health Benefits
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Everton new number 10 ‘revealed’ as real star of Goodison Park gets ready to shine
Everton new number 10 ‘revealed’ as real star of Goodison Park gets ready to shine
Everton emotional farewell is about to really begin after new takeover twist
Everton emotional farewell is about to really begin after new takeover twist
12
COMMENTS
New refrigerators 2024 – click here to see prices!
Refrigerators | Search Ads
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Everton transfer reality still clear after painful reminder of shortcomings
Everton transfer reality still clear after painful reminder of shortcomings
10
COMMENTS
Gnonto and Phillips sign, two sold, contract decision – Everton dream end to transfer window
Gnonto and Phillips sign, two sold, contract decision – Everton dream end to transfer window
17
COMMENTS
Everton selection hint dropped as key players absent from training but Dele returns
Everton selection hint dropped as key players absent from training but Dele returns
Everton line-ups for Roma as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jesper Lindstrom decisions made
Everton line-ups for Roma as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jesper Lindstrom decisions made
3
COMMENTS
Everton player ratings as two new transfers and one more excellent in Roma draw
Everton player ratings as two new transfers and one more excellent in Roma draw
14
COMMENTS
New transfers, key man returns, injury doubts – Predicted Everton XI against Roma
New transfers, key man returns, injury doubts – Predicted Everton XI against Roma
Everton unearth dangerous new weapon as Dominic Calvert-Lewin sends timely reminder
Everton unearth dangerous new weapon as Dominic Calvert-Lewin sends timely reminder
What new transfer did in incredible five-minute burst could spark enthralling Everton change
What new transfer did in incredible five-minute burst could spark enthralling Everton change
6
COMMENTS
Everton face ‘very difficult’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer situation admits his former coach
Everton face ‘very difficult’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer situation admits his former coach
5
COMMENTS
Dominic Calvert-Lewin contract decision, midfield transfer – Everton squad audit before key week
Dominic Calvert-Lewin contract decision, midfield transfer – Everton squad audit before key week
Everton player ratings as Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrom excellent in Preston win
Everton player ratings as Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrom excellent in Preston win
24
COMMENTS
Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher cannot believe the transfer fee Everton received this summer
Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher cannot believe the transfer fee Everton received this summer
6
COMMENTS
Everton vs Roma LIVE – team news, kick-off time, TV channel, score, stream
Everton vs Roma LIVE – team news, kick-off time, TV channel, score, stream
12
COMMENTS
Sean Dyche is doing an unbelievable job at Everton – but I hope he changes formation
Sean Dyche is doing an unbelievable job at Everton – but I hope he changes formation
Serious takeover issues behind Sean Dyche transfer tease as Everton face double threat
Serious takeover issues behind Sean Dyche transfer tease as Everton face double threat
7
COMMENTS
Online Jobs In USA From Nigeria (Salaries Will Surprise You)
Online Jobs In USA | Search Ads
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Harness the Sun: Top 3000 Watt Solar Generators for Efficient Energy Supply
Portable Power Station | Search Ads
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Premium Employee Health Benefit Programs In Mexico (Here’s The List)
Employee Health Benefits
by TaboolaSponsored Links
Nigeria is selling refrigerators, see price!
Refrigerators | Search Ads
by TaboolaSponsored Links
As reported by the ECHO back in June, Bove’s boyhood idol was another home-grown hero from the Italian capital, Daniele De Rossi, who played 616 times for the Giallorossi before returning in January this year to replace Jose Mourinho as head coach. It was Bove’s former boss, the self-styled ‘Special One’, who gave him his own nickname that the Roma fans latched on to.
Mourinho dubbed the midfielder ‘A Sick Dog’ because of his intensity and aggressiveness on the pitch, a tag that the supporters lapped up. However, unlike when Viktor Gyokeres showed Everton what they were missing this time last year, Bove was unable to do the same here.
Starting on the bench, the midfielder came on with just over 20 minutes remaining; however, he had very little impact on the game. So Everton supporters will have to wait a little longer to discover whether he was another one who got away.
READ NEXT:
Liverpool line-ups v Sevilla as Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz decisions made
Liverpool star Darwin Nunez ends social media blackout as clear transfer message sent
Amazon’s huge chocolate box with full size Maltesers, Snickers and Twix for 66p each
Dunelm’s ‘padded’ and ‘easy to fold away’ recliners cut by 50% ahead of heatwave
Liverpool transfer news LIVE – Martin Zubimendi decision, Anthony Gordon and Fabio Carvalho exit
Follow Liverpool Echo
Comment
MORE STORIES
Skip AdDiscover
Register & Receive NGN500,000 Welcome Bonus Immediately
MSPORT
|
Sponsored
Spin the Wheel at MSport. Extra ₦500,000 is Given When You Join
MSport
|
Sponsored
Private Cardiologist | Book your video consultation
LONDON HEART CLINIC
|
Sponsored
MORE ON
Everton FC
Up Next
Liverpool line-ups v Sevilla as Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz decisions made
SPORT
ALL
TOP STORIES
Seven red flag symptoms of ‘silent killer’ pancreatic cancer
HEALTH AND FITNESS
I tried the Mediterranean diet for a week and lost half a stone – this is what I ate
IN THE NEWS
ITV Coronation Street star Stephanie Davis shares ‘miracle’ as she announces pregnancy
CORONATION STREET
Everton player ratings as two new transfers and one more excellent in Roma draw
EVERTON FC
19 photos of rare phenomenon that attracted crowds on city streets
WEATHER
I won’t make the same mistake again after I discovered what was on my own doorstep
SPEKE HALL
Hundreds gather at Liverpool Pier Head as people unite against the far-right
LIVERPOOL PIER HEAD
Boy, 16, stole £15,000 worth of vapes during violent disorder in Liverpool
COURTS
What new transfer did in incredible five-minute burst could spark enthralling Everton change
EVERTON FC
Everton vs Roma LIVE – Calvert-Lewin, Pellegrini goals, score and commentary stream
EVERTON FC
Man charged after violent disorder in Southport
LIVERPOOL RIOTS
Bebe King’s parents issue heartbreaking tribute to their daughter
SOUTHPORT STABBING
