Jarrad Branthwaite

Branthwaite is quick in a way that changes what a coach is allowed to ask of a back four, because the ball over the top stops being frightening once somebody can run it down. He defends on the front foot, using his reach to nick the ball off a forward's toe, and he rarely needs to grab a shirt to slow anybody down. In possession he is left footed and calm, carrying the ball out of defence until an opponent finally steps towards him.

The concern that follows him around is availability, because injuries have removed stretches of football that his ability should comfortably have filled. Everton defend in a noticeably different shape without him, sitting deeper and inviting far more pressure onto themselves. That is the clearest compliment a defender can be paid by his own team.