Comparing Dan Ballard and Jarrad Branthwaite as Everton eye Sunderland star | OneFootball

Jarrad Branthwaite has been one of the most talked about defenders in the Premier League this season after another season of breakthrough in the Everton ranks - and any potential transfer could spark a potential merry-go-round at Sunderland.

The Toffees defender has been a part of the Goodison Park outfits’ defence for quite some time, but this season especially under a gritty, defensively-sound manager like Sean Dyche, has seen him elevated to new levels.

The likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and more have all been linked with a move for his services, and a Euro 2024 spot is certainly not out of the question for the Toffees star. But should he depart, Everton have reportedly targeted Sunderland star Daniel Ballard to replace him - and it’s a more like-minded move than first thought.

Jarrad Branthwaite vs Daniel Ballard - stat comparison

According to Fbref, Branthwaite boasts 2.17 tackles per 90 in the Premier League, alongside 1.70 interceptions per 90 under Dyche. Both of these rank him in the 88th percentile of defenders in the division, which is an impressive statistic to go by. 2.61 aerial duels won, 4.35 clearances and 1.17 tackles won are all impressive statistics - though it is his recovery against fast attackers that is the most impressive.

Branthwaite, as per Fbref, is in the top 1% of defenders in the Premier League at tackling dribbling attackers, winning 82.5 per cent of his duels with other sides looking to counter the Toffees.

But when looking at the defensive stats, Ballard looks increasingly similar to Branthwaite. The former Arsenal youngster has shone at Sunderland over the past 18 months, and his performances have been similarly strong in the Championship.

In a more ball-progressive side, Ballard ranks in the 93rd percentile of defenders for pass completion and the 81st percentile for passes completed.

Elsewhere, in the defensive areas, he’s almost equally as good as Branthwaite, albeit not facing world-class attackers week in, week out. In comparison to Branthwaite across 90 minutes, Ballard boasts 1.39 tackles, 1 interception, 2.99 aerial duels won - which is more than Branthwaite - and slightly more clearances with 4.40.

This puts him on a similar level to Branthwaite, with much more ball progression to make hm the complete modern defender; though of course, the nature of the managers must be taken into account. Dyche is a more defensive-minded manager and thus Branthwaite will play more long balls, so it is hard to compare the duo in that regard.

Jarrad Branthwaite and Daniel Ballard transfer latest

A report from Football Transfers on Friday afternoon suggested that Everton have a concrete interest in signing Ballard in the summer, should the highly-coveted Branthwaite move on.

The publication states that sources close to Ballard believe he’s been watched by the Toffees extremely closely since the business end of last season, when Sunderland snuck into the play-offs at Millwall’s expense on the final day.

Having joined Sunderland for just £2million in 2022, it could well represent a significant profit for Sunderland, especially with players such as Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke also in their ranks that could command high fees.

And according to the report, the Black Cats could receive a fee around the £20million mark for the Northern Irishman if Branthwaite does move on for pastures new in the summer.