'Massive loss' - Sutton fires Everton new Branthwaite warning after draw v Leicester

Chris Sutton has warned Everton that the return of Jarrad Branthwaite is “not going to change everything” at Goodison Park.

The Toffees winless start to the Premier League season continued with a 1-1 draw against Leicester City on Saturday (21 September) as the England international continues to make his way back from injury.

Branthwaite is understood to be closing in on full fitness having yet to play for the Blues this term and while Sutton doesn’t think it will solve all of Sean Dyche’s problems, he thinks it could boost the Toffees.

Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live on Saturday (21 September, 14:20) he said: “I would go as far to say that he’s probably Everton’s most important player and was last season.

“For Sean Dyche to actually start the new season without one of his key guys in there, that’s a massive loss.

“Look, it’s not going to change everything but when he comes back I suspect it will give players in and around him, Jordan Pickford as well, a greater confidence.

“Everton look like that can knick a goal, but it’s a very un-Sean Dyche-like team where they’re conceding goals so cheaply.”

Is Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite still injured at Goodison Park?

As Sutton suggests, Branthwaite is one of Dyche’s most important players and his partnership with James Tarkowski last term was a major reason that the Toffees managed to avoid relegation come the end of the season.

But the 22-year-old only has one season of Premier League football under his belt so the Blues simply cannot afford to put all their eggs in one basket and expect him to solve all of their issues when he returns from injury.

The England international is undeniably a better defender than Micheal Keane or Jake O’Brien. He will boost those around him, but he alone will not solve the mentality issue that seems to be embedded within the playing squad.

Dyche’s team don’t seem to remember what it takes to win Premier League games. At the moment, they are folding immediately under pressure and don’t seem to be mentally strong enough to hold onto a lead.

While that is the case, they will be running the risk of relegation whether they have Branthwaite to call upon or not.

In other Everton news, the Toffees have been told to make a Dyche exit decision after their draw with Leicester City

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