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Former Everton winger Pat Nevin says Jarrad Branthwaite is the most outstanding centre-back prospect in world football, labelling the defender an “extra special footballer".

The 21-year-old Branthwaite has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season at Everton during the 2023/24 campaign, making 33 Premier League starts.

Nevin, who played 150 games for the Toffees, discussed the development of the Blues talent, noting his rapid level of improvement.

Quoted by the Liverpool ECHO, the Scotsman told OLBG: “If I was looking at any young centre-back on the planet just now, I’d look at Jarrad Branthwaite first. Now that’s a big statement, a big call, but honestly, he has grown so quickly.

“There are so many things to his game that I think people don’t even know yet because he is playing a certain style under Sean Dyche. I would be devastated as a former Everton player if he left because of what he has done this season, he’s 21 but playing at the top level of English football and improving in almost every game.

“He’s got everything and he’s left-footed as well. So, I hope that Branthwaite stays at Everton, but if he goes he’s going to cost stunning amounts of money because I’m not the only one who has noticed. He is an extra-special footballer.”

Elsewhere, Liverpool World looks ahead to Everton’s encounter with Sheffield United on Saturday (3pm BST kick-off).

The game represents the Toffees’ final home match of the season and, with the Blues having already secured their Premier League safety, it holds a very different feel to Goodison finales of recent years.

Journalist Will Rooney writes: “In Everton’s final home games of the previous two seasons, nerves and anxiety have been sky-high.

“Matchday going Toffees and those without a ticket put on a bold showing for their team. Thousands upon thousands lined the streets around Goodison Park, clad in blue with plumes of smoke from pyrotechnics billowing. Yet underneath the ardent support, there can be no denying that angst was rife. Everton’s Premier League status was at stake.

“As Goodison prepares for the final fixture of 2023-24, Evertonians will have no pre-match fear in terms of league status. The Blues have well and truly avoided a dogfight.

“Despite being deducted eight points for two separate profit and sustainability breaches, Dyche has navigated Everton through choppy waters nonchalantly. There is an 11-point gap between the Toffees and 18th-placed Luton.

“Ahead of already-relegated Sheffield United, fans can soak up the rays before and after without worrying about the result.

“It means Everton can enjoy a proper end-of-season lap of honour. Fans can pay homage to Dyche and his squad - and vice versa given how staunchly they have been backed home and away.”