Liverpool's ideal Van Dijk successor...plays for Everton

Tom Weber

• Updated: 13 Dec 2023 12:46 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool have been told that they should turn to Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite in their search for a long-term heir to Virgil van Dijk.

The Toffees centre-back has been one of the biggest revelations of the season after returning from a successful loan with PSV in the Eredivisie. Branthwaite is a mainstay in Sean Dyche's side despite his tender age of just 21 and his impressive performances have attracted the attention of high-profile suitors.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed on Monday that the defender is a top January target for Tottenham, while Man Utd have also been prominently linked with the youngster, who is regarded as one of the biggest defensive prospects in English football. Given his potential, Everton have slapped a whopping £75 million (€87m) price tag on his head.

However, according to Dutch football expert Suleyman Ozturk, Everton's city rivals Liverpool should be all over Branthwaite in their search for a successor to Virgil van Dijk despite a deal being seemingly impossible.

The next Van Dijk

“I think the period in the Netherlands, in the Eredivisie, has been good for him,” the journalist said on Voetbal International's YouTube channel. "You mention that footballing ability that was also noticeable at PSV, but I also feel his positioning is unbelievable. In the duels with the Chelsea striker [Armando] Broja I thought he was very strong."

“Micah Richards pointed him out on Match of the Day, and it was interesting because they picked out exactly the moments that I found interesting, the ones where he doesn’t bite but remains central, just like Van Dijk in his peak. That stopping power. He stops and then waits."

"The timing of his interceptions is special. He has height, footballing ability the timing for interceptions. He’s only 21 years old and in Sean Dyche has a trainer who is focused on defending and organising. He’s developed a few defenders.”

“If I were Liverpool, I would buy him as a successor to Van Dijk. I really think he is the revelation of this season at Everton in the Premier League. He’s already a leader in a defence at a club in big trouble. The fact that at 21 you play in the starting lineup in a Sean Dyche team is not easy.”