Another opportunity granted and another opportunity missed. The inconsistency of Everton’s season continued again on Monday night at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The first-half performance especially was glaringly lacklustre and overwhelmingly dull, with only the returning Iliman Ndiaye offering up any kind of performance.
It took a formation change and introduction of real quality to proceedings for Everton to get a foothold in the game from the first minute of the second half.
Seeing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall back in the royal blue shirt was a welcomed sight. Although clearly a bit rusty, his attitude and elevated ability lifted both the crowd and those around him.
It was another returning player that really stood out though – and how we’ve missed him.
Not seen since the pre-season friendly against Roma, Jarrad Branthwaite trotted onto the pitch for the second half and it was like he’d never been away.
Not only did his calming presence steady the newly formed back three, his superior footballing ability was evident for all to see.
Keen to get Everton playing on the front foot, he picked out numerous midfield and defence splitting passes to force Leeds to retreat – allowing us to grab a deserved equaliser through the in-form Thierno Barry.
You often forget what you have until a player of his importance returns from a long injury absence.
He possesses all the attributes a modern day centre-half needs. He’s probably as close to a peak John Stones as you can get, with plenty of years ahead of him.
With the World Cup only a matter of months away, Thomas Tuchel would do well to pay Branthwaite some attention.
Find more from Mike Richards at Unholy Trinity, external