Vincent Kompany, the manager of Burnley, was notably impressed by the performance of Everton’s young star, Jarrad Branthwaite, following Everton’s 1-0 victory over Burnley.
In a match that marked Everton’s first win in 14 Premier League games, Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the decisive goal just before the half-time break, capitalizing on a mistake by Arijanet Muric. Throughout the game, Everton managed to restrict Burnley to a single shot on target, thanks in large part to Branthwaite’s defensive prowess. The 21-year-old defender’s series of crucial blocks further solidified his growing reputation.
Despite the loss, which edged Burnley closer to relegation, Kompany offered generous praise for Branthwaite’s efforts. In his post-match comments, Kompany highlighted Branthwaite’s commitment and defensive skill, noting, “The kid is sliding across like five times and is doing really well.” He also commended James Tarkowski for his role in the defense, acknowledging the overall strength of Everton’s backline.
Kompany reflected on the difficulty his team faced in creating shooting opportunities against Everton, attributing it to the solid defensive setup of the opposing team. He admitted to acknowledging Everton’s defensive capabilities during the game, praising their ability to protect their goal area effectively.
When discussing Branthwaite’s future prospects, Kompany emphasized the importance of recognizing genuine talent beyond the hype. He described Branthwaite’s ability to recover and cover for his teammates as a promising aspect of his game, indicating a bright future for the young defender.