After news broke of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite undergoing surgery this week, it seems likely that veteran Michael Keane will continue in his absence.
The 32-year-old has started every game so far this season with Branthwaite sidelined due to a hamstring injury, drawing praise from supporters for his performances up to now.
However, despite Keane and The Toffees making an encouraging start, the data suggests the England international’s latest setback could spell trouble for David Moyes’ side.
Head-to-head defensive stats:
With both players known for their love of ‘old-school defending’, it’s no surprise that the two post similar numbers in this area.
Comparing their defensive statistics per 90 minutes, there is little to separate the pair.
Keane just edges out Branthwaite in aerial duels won (2.72) and interceptions (1.04), whilst the 23-year-old comes out on top in tackles (1.29) and blocks (0.92).
Head-to-head offensive stats:
While it’s not the most important aspect of a centre-back’s job, the modern-day defender must be adept enough in possession to spark attacks for their team.
This has been evident since Moyes’ January appointment, with the Scot opting for a more possession-based style than predecessor Sean Dyche, and it’s Keane who triumphs in this department.
The former Burnley star tops Branthwaite in long pass completion, dribble success and- unsurprisingly given his impressive finishing- goal involvements.
Since joining the club in 2017, Keane has netted 17 times for The Blues and saw his ball-playing skills utilised under Carlo Ancelotti’s stewardship in 2020/21.
Despite his 6’5 inch frame, Branthwaite failed to find the net at all last season and, whilst his pass completion beats Keane’s, the promising young defender slacks behind his teammate in this area.
Head-to-head team stats:
Perhaps the most telling contribution of any player’s impact on a side is how the team fare results-wise when they’ve been selected and, in the case of these two, the data highlights the importance Branthwaite holds at Everton.
Despite both producing similar defensive numbers and Keane even outshining the ex-PSV man in attack, Branthwaite’s impact on results far outweighs his rival.
With James Tarkowski occupying the right centre-back slot since his arrival in 2022, the stats comparing the partnerships are an alarming sight for Evertonians, should Branthwaite remain out long-term.
The 23-year-old has played 66 times alongside Tarkowski, keeping 23 clean sheets and winning 33% of matches which, given Everton’s recent struggles, is not to be sniffed at.
Their partnership has tallied up 87 points in that time, conceding 1.15 goals per game along the way.
Keane, on the other hand, posts a far less effective pairing with his former Burnley teammate, winning just 23% of matches together and conceding 1.62 goals per 90.
It is, of course, difficult to compare this data given the amount of games each centre-back duo have started together, however played out over a full season, the expected stats are grim reading for the blue half of Merseyside.
If both partnerships each played a full, 38-game season, The Toffees’ outcome would look very different.
Given the stark contrast in points won per game, Branthwaite’s ‘season’ would see Everton finish around the mid-table mark (based off the past five league tables), whilst Keane’s has the club fighting relegation.
The 32-year-old would also ship 18 more goals than his teammate, keeping five less clean sheets in the process, too.
So, while the stats say there is no doubting Keane is an able deputy enjoying a fine run of form, the defender’s longevity in the side could spell trouble for The Blues should Branthwaite’s injury crisis worsen.
