Jarrad Branthwaite has revealed the Everton teammate who inspired him ahead of his step up to the first team in the closing stages of last season.
The centre-back became the first signing of the Carlo Ancelotti era when he made the transfer from Carlisle United to Goodison Park in January.
And after injuries to both Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina in the latter stages of 2019/20, the youngster was called into the senior side in unexpected fashion.
The 18-year-old performed brilliantly in the circumstances and has now revealed that Anthony Gordon, who himself had a breakthrough into the first team last season, was part of his inspiration.
Branthwaite told evertonfc.com : “Seeing Anthony getting his chance only makes younger players want to achieve what they’re achieving – to train harder and get better and hopefully get in that team.
“I’ve done that so far but the hard work is just beginning.
“If someone was to say I’d be playing in the Premier League at this stage, I’d have never believed it.
“I’ve just got to take it in my stride, keep working hard and see where next season takes me.”
The switch from Carlisle to Everton has introduced Branthwaite to a number of important challenges along the way.
The youngster described what sets the game in the Premier League apart from his previous experience and what he must do to continue adapting to his new environment.
He added: “League Two is more physical, with long balls and things like that, and the Premier League is a lot quicker. It’s all 100mph but with quality, too.
“That’s what you’ve got to develop – to be able to play it quickly but with quality. The pace of the game is the biggest thing to adapt to.
“It’s a big leap but I’ve just got to keep working hard to keep developing my agility and other aspects. That’s what I’ve been doing.”
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