Branthwaite signs up for another year

Okay, maybe he's turned out to be a lot better than they thought when they brought him in from Carlisle, and an extended contract has to mean they have agreed to pay him more money, not less, over the next 3 years... Kinda blows smoke up the arse of those who think that somehow Covid-19 will cause the reset button to be pressed regarding Premier League players' wages.

For Everton, I guess that means it's business as usual going forward into the post-Covid void...

He seems to be improving while training with the first team, so Everton decided to go with it.

Imagine he breaks into the first team at the end of next season and only had 12 months left. I think it's sensible, although we do need to be wary of more Luke Garbutts.

Another point though, and as much as it's good to hear about Coleman and Baines, why is it always just those two? Surely Michael Keane is the best one to give him tips as a fellow centre half? Don't the players from outside of the Moyes era want to pass on their experience?

He will be looking at Mason Holgate and thinking, "If I'm good enough, I will be given an opportunity."

I saw him in the U23s game v Watford. Came on as sub, part way through second half, slotted in instantly, seemed to assume the role of organising the defence and looked completely unphased against an attack that was gaining confidence through some extended possession.

Big but mobile and apparently comfortable with the ball, going on one 50-yard run that very nearly ended with him setting someone up with a lay-off in the opposition's box.

Only really a cameo I know and at a lower level, but I can see why (if he is steadily progressing) the club has decided to sign him on for the longer term.

Carlo has seen something in the player that he likes so, with just turning 18, makes sense to extend his contract.

Could be situational, eg, he's setting up in group games alongside those two versus Keane's in the other group. Pienaar reckons Baines talks non-stop, while Coleman is captain so it could also be a personality thing

Gibson has been exceptional at Fleetwood, although they got taken apart this week. I think he will be in the first-team squad next season. Branthwaite will be on the bench now as Carlo has no other options, and Gibson is out on loan. It should also help bring him along.

Gibson needed games and to play against men, which he has done with distinction. Branthwaite is below him undoubtedly in the pecking order.

Our man Gibson and, to a lesser degree, Calum Connolly, played well, so I don't think in the case of Gibson it will have done him any harm. It is no coincidence either that, up until the break, Fleetwood were virtually unbeaten, and looking a certainty for promotion.

However, there are others who take just a little longer but with the right coaching and a manager who gives them opportunities they soon find their feet.

Hopefully Carlo is already earmarking some of the Everton newbies.

Gibson is 20 this month and will be chomping at the bit for games next season.

We don't need to have all the youngsters go on loan for two seasons before we give them a chance.

Not a particular fan of Mina but agree that we have enough at centre-back – if we're going to stick with a fairly deep line.

To play a higher line, we could do with someone dominant in the air and quick on the turn. The fact that we're persistently linked with just such players suggests Carlo wants to do so.

Zouma would be a good, safe option. He's had a mixed season but possibly exposed by loose tactics and weaker partners than Holgate (and Keane) at centre-back.

Other names offer a higher ceiling (and would be my preference) but Zouma is the one who could step in now.

I like Mina as a player but the sad fact is he's been here two years and can't seem to stay fit so I'd sell him. The red Echo have bizarrely priced Keane at 㾶 million and reckon he could be on his way too. He's another player I like and I can't see us selling him in his prime for 40 percent of what we paid for him.

The best ability is ultimately availability. If the right offer were there for Mina I would take it.

The red Echo isn't even fit for fish and chips these days. I'd just about use it to line the kitty litter tray, it's an utter rag and has been for at least two decades. Keane for 㾶 million is crazier than a jumping bean in my view.

I would be disappointed to see him depart and be replaced by Zouma.

I've watched him on streams twice for the U23s, against Man City and Chelsea away. City tore us apart and a weak header out from Branthwaite lead to their first goal. Bizarrely we played 5 defenders and 5 midfielders that day! Against Chelsea we were much better, losing to a late penalty I think, and Branthwaite did well and looked solid at the back.

Remember he's effectively a 2nd year Scholar in age range, so is doing really well but even with his Carlisle games he's played very few matches against older opposition.

He's got a lot to learn, and hopefully he'll continue with the 1st team training where he can continue to progress rapidly and get more game time with the U23s. Then again, Carlo who sees him everyday knows him best so we'll see what happens who knows he just may get a crack this season.

He wasn't any great shakes with us. Had good games and bad ones. Same as now for Chelsea, a more talented team than ours.

Yes, he looked good during last year's run-in. The whole defense looked good during those games. The impetus being Gana playing out of his skin.

Talk of Zouma's is starting to creep into James McCarthy territory. The less he plays for us, the better he gets.

He'd be no improvement on Mina. Leave him where he is.

Zouma has been in and out of Chelsea's team, not looked particularly spectacular and Chelsea are looking for a replacement. Yet this has been ignored by the masses who believe he is desperately missed.

I'm happy we missed out on him as it has meant Holgate getting his chance.

I think we only need to sign a defender should Keane be moved on.

The "injured" stats don't tell the whole story. Case in point, he is listed as having missed no games due to injury during 2020. But we know from Carlo, he was a doubt for the RS game as he was getting matchfit after injury. The injury occurred during the covid break so it doesn't exist in terms of his stats. But it did preclude him from being considered to start the RS game. Also, over the past four years, he's had three hamstring and three foot injuries. The recurrence of both is something concerning to me based on the histories of folks like Michael Owen and Darren Anderton. I think Mina is very good, he also seems like a very nice man. But, if he stays I fear he'll end up in the glue factory sooner rather than later.

Central defence and central midfield have got to be invested in during the next transfer window if we are to make progress.

We can't work on the basis that a couple of young lads who have never played a first team match for us are doing well at lower levels so we don't need to invest in this position.