"I don't want to upset any Evertonians" - Former Liverpool star wants 'really good' Everton star to join Liverpool

Former Liverpool player John Aldridge reckons Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite would be a good signing for his former club.

Branthwaite, 21, impressed for Everton in their 2-0 Premier League defeat at Liverpool at the weekend. Sean Dyche's side kept their derby rivals at bay for 75 minutes before Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock from the spot. The Egyptian then scored again from the spot deep in stoppage time as the Reds moved back to within three points of leaders Tottenham Hotspur.

Aldridge acknowledged Branthwaite's performance in the defeat (as per Liverpool Echo via HITC):

“Salah may have been the headline-grabber, but it was Jarrad Branthwaite who stood out the most at Anfield. I think he is a really good player. I first saw him play in a mini derby at Finch Farm a few years ago, and he caught my eye then.

The former Reds player added that Branthwaite is the real deal but wonders if Everton would sell him to their derby rivals:

“He enjoyed a successful loan spell abroad at PSV Eindhoven last season and looks like a real talent. I don’t want to upset any Evertonians by saying this, and whether Liverpool would buy from Everton is another matter, as it rarely happens, but I certainly think he has got the ability to go on and become a leading figure and a starter for England.”

Aldridge added that his former team were on the lookout for a left-sided centre-back like Branthwaite this summer. However, he added that the player - if he moves - won't come cheap.

“A left-sided centre-back is something we were in the market for during the summer transfer window, which we didn’t end up signing in the end. If we were to make a move for Branthwaite, he would probably cost a significant amount due to the English premium that we so often see in the game.

“Coming to Liverpool would be hard for the lad, it takes a bit of doing to make that switch across Stanley Park. I don’t want to upset anyone, I will stress that again, but, I think, he has a really bright future.”

The 21-year-old defender enjoyed an impressive loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last season, winning the KNVB Cup.

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How have Liverpool fared this season?

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool have made a sparkling start to their 2023-24 season, losing only once in 12 games across competitions and winning eight. Six of those wins have come in the league, where they're fourth, three points behind leaders Spurs.

Incidentally, their lone defeat of the season has come at the league leaders. In a game where Jurgen Klopp's side ended with nine men, Spurs prevailed 2-1, thanks to a late Joel Matip own goal.

The Reds have also done well in Europe, winning both their UEFA Europa League games. After winning 3-1 at LASK, Klopp's side prevailed 2-0 at home to Union Saint-Gilloise.