Tyias Browning: all you need to know about Everton FC's latest defensive hope
The 20-year-old has been one of the few positives at the start of this season for Roberto Martinez's side
Tyias Browning in action for EvertonIt hasn't been a season to remember for Everton FC so far – but it has been memorable for the emergence of defender Tyias Browning.
Despite making just two substitute league appearances for the Blues this season, he has offered a glimpse of what he can do.
Here's all you need to know about Everton's number 27.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers before the derby
A born and bred Scouser, Browning was born on May 27, 1994 – and is one day older than team-mate John Stones.
Browning joined Everton at the age of 10, and has been on the club's books ever since.
Browning has been complimented on both his speed and physicality, which means he can play at both right back and centre back, although he has featured as a right back so far in the first team.
The defender sees himself in a central position, however. “Primarily, I play as a centre-half, and I can play at full-back as well, but wherever the manager wants me to go in I will do and give 100% for the team,” he said.
He was part of the Under-18 side which won the 2010/11 league title and lined up in defence alongside Luke Garbutt and Eric Dier, now of Tottenham Hotspur. Other known players from that squad are Jose Baxter and Conor AcAleny.
Browning moved to Championship side Wigan Athletic on loan last season, featuring twice. His time there was enough to impress manager Uwe Rosler.
He was named Everton Under-21 Player of the Season and debuted for England Under-21s in the Toulon Tournament in May 2014.
Browning has a pick of England or China at international level; he qualifies for the latter through his grandfather.
Blues right back Tony Hibbert says Browning reminds him of Sylvain Distin. “It does remind you of Sylvain when he plays,” said Hibbert. “Obviously, Tyias is a lot younger and he has a lot to learn about reading the game but that will only come with playing with the players we have here and being around the squad.”
He has moved through the ranks for England, representing them at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.
David Moyes gave him his first call-up to the first team, with Browning an unused substitute in the away game with Chelsea at the end of the 2011/12 season.
He made his full debut away to Liverpool – just the second Everton player born in Liverpool to make his debut in the derby. The first was Ted Taylor in 1927.
Roberto Martinez was typically effusive about Browning following his debut at Anfield. He said: “[He] showed incredible composure and great pace. He's a phenomenal defender who gave us real penetration. Between the pair of them (Hibbert), they did a terrific job for us.”
His number 27 shirt has previously been worn by Richard Dunne, Peter Clarke, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Apostolos Vellios.
Source: Kristian Walsh / Echo
