Jarrad Branthwaite says he is determined to build on the “great experience” of his first six months at Everton after signing an extended contract with the Club until the end of June 2023.
Centre-back Branthwaite joined the Blues from boyhood side Carlisle United during the January transfer window and featured for Everton’s Under-23s before the season was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 18-year-old has trained regularly with the Toffees’ first team since the squad’s return to USM Finch Farm – and says he is learning every day from manager Carlo Ancelotti and the top-class talents in Everton’s ranks.
He saluted the Club and his teammates for helping him swiftly acclimatise to life on Merseyside.
“I’ve come a long way from playing for Carlisle in the first half of the season, and now being here at a massive club like Everton and working under one of the best managers in the world,” Branthwaite told evertonfc.com.
“I’ve settled in really well so far. I thought it was going to be quite difficult moving away from home but everyone at the Club has helped me feel comfortable.
“Training with the first team has been a great experience. I’m enjoying it.
“The likes of Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman have given me a lot of advice.
“Throughout the training sessions, they give me little tips on where I can improve.
“Everyone’s been very good with me, though.
“I’ve been looking at what the other players do and trying to implement certain parts into my game, so I can be the best player I can be.
“I’ll keep striving to do better.”
Branthwaite, who made 14 senior outings for League Two Carlisle, says he has taken inspiration from the young players in the Blues’ squad who have established themselves in the first team.
Mason Holgate and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, both 23, moved to Everton as teenagers, while Tom Davies – who turned 22 earlier this week – has been with the Club since the age of 11.
That trio have made already made a combined total of 321 first-team appearances for Everton.
“As well as having a lot of quality, those players are all such hard workers,” Branthwaite explains.
“I’ve got to keep working hard and hopefully in the future I can achieve what they have and be a first-team player for this club.
“The pathway is there at Everton and it’s up to me to keep improving and learning from the best players.”
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