Garth Crooks has compared Jarrad Branthwaite to an Everton legend after his latest display for the club.

The England under-21 international has emerged as one of the stars of Sean Dyche's side this season. Following his impressive loan spell with PSV Eindhoven last term, where he won the KNVB Cup, Branthwaite has earned his spot alongside James Tarkowski at the heart of the Blues' backline, making nine consecutive starts in all competitions.

On Sunday, the 21-year-old produced another commanding display as the Toffees registered a well-earned away victory at West Ham. He was even involved in Dominic Calvert-Lewin's decisive goal as it was his sharp interception that sparked Everton's attack and helped claim an important three points on the road.

While Everton fans have been singing Branthwaite's praises throughout the campaign, his performances have also attracted wider acclaim with his talent no longer a secret. Upon including him in his team of the week, BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks compared the centre-back to two Everton greats.

"What a wonderful way for Everton to doff their cap to their former chairman Bill Kenwright with a very professional away performance at West Ham," Crooks said. "Everton defended brilliantly and deserved the points but the star of the show was their defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

"This 21-year-old Englishman looks as though he's come straight off the Everton no-nonsense production line. He may not be a Kevin Ratcliffe but he might be a Mick Lyons."

Branthwaite was signed from Carlisle United in January 2020 after making his professional debut for the League Two club as a 17-year-old. He was handed his Premier League debut by Carlo Ancelotti in the same season and has finally established himself as a first team regular after his earlier loan spells with Blackburn Rovers and PSV..

However, Branthwaite still has a long way to go to replicate the type of impact that both Ratcliffe and Lyons had at the club.