Harry Diamond 24/06/2025 7comments  |  Jump to last

Amadou Onana has backed former Everton teammate Jarrad Branthwaite to become one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

Onana played alongside Branthwaite at Goodison Park during the 2023-24 campaign, in which the defender enjoyed a breakout campaign. 

After returning from an impressive loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, Branthwaite became a regular in the side and featured 35 times as the Toffees finished 15th in the table. 

Branthwaite was named as Everton’s Players’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season for his performances.

The Belgium midfielder joined Aston Villa last summer but was asked for his verdict on his ex-Everton teammate. 

Respectfully sidestepping a question asking whether Branthwaite could go to a ‘bigger level’, he outlined his admiration for the 22-year-old and backed the centre-back to become one of the Premier League’s best.

“I played and trained with him for a year and I think he’s got everything it takes to become one of the best in the league,” Onana told the Inside Scoop podcast.

“Good left foot, physically strong, he’s fast, he reads the game really well. 

“So, like I said, he’s got every attribute you need to be at the top. Really good kid as well, cool kid, really humble, hard working. I’m really excited for him and I wish him the best because he deserves it.”

 

Reader Comments (7)

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Paul Kossoff
1 Posted 24/06/2025 at 20:08:33
We can only hope Branthwaite stays with us for a while yet. With Tarkowski turning 33 this year, we don't want to be getting in makeweights on the short term to replace first-team players.

O'Brien needs established teammates next to him to improve, so Branthwaite is worth more to us than £70M.

Kevin Molloy
2 Posted 24/06/2025 at 20:21:07
the bliss of knowing this guy's nonsense is now someone else's problem.
Brent Stephens
3 Posted 24/06/2025 at 20:26:09
Kevin, I'm confused about your view on Onana's comments here. This is all very complimentary about Jarrad.

What's not to like about those comments. "Nonsense"? – I don't see it here.

Danny O'Neill
4 Posted 24/06/2025 at 20:35:05
Very complimentary and I also think respectful.

He doesn't suggest he should move, he just says he will go all the way to the top.

Let's hope that is with Everton.

Kevin Molloy
6 Posted 24/06/2025 at 21:10:09
Brent, what annoys me is how much he talks, and as if from a position of great authority.

He's like a year ahead of Jarrad, and he thinks he's in a position to state how things are gonna go.

Brent Stephens
7 Posted 24/06/2025 at 21:22:48
Kevin, all that might be true. But he's not doing any of that here. He's praising Jarrad.

I'd just give him credit for that positive, rather than dragging up some negatives that have nothing to do with this news piece.

Kevin Molloy
8 Posted 24/06/2025 at 21:28:07
I made a one line comment, Brent.

It's you that's making a big movie out of it.

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