Blackburn fans applaud debut performance from Everton loanee Jarrad Branthwaite

Jarrad Branthwaite only completed his loan move away from Everton earlier this week, but he made his debut for Blackburn Rovers on Saturday afternoon in the Championship.

The 18-year-old is a highly-rated defender that has exited the Toffees on loan for the second half of the season.

He was thrown straight into the deep end this weekend, as he completed 90 minutes in Blackburn’s 1-1 draw at home to Stoke City in a league match.

The 6ft 5in colossus joined the Merseyside giants last January from Carlisle United and Carlo Ancelotti’s side have decided he needs some regular senior minutes elsewhere to continue his development, which is why they loaned him out to a team in the second-tier.

Blackburn are a mid-table side with quality in their ranks, but they have a seven-point deficit to try overcome if they want to get into the play-off picture.

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

A selection of Blackburn supporters on social media believe that Branthwaite was extremely impressive on his debut for them, as he looked strong and assertive in the backline.

The Everton loanee is a ball-playing centre-back that is confident on the ball and he did make five first-team appearances for the club before his January transfer.

Here are some Blackburn fans discussing Branthwaite’s first contribution for them:

Man of the match for me, solid and confident player.

— bradley stirton (@BradleyStirton) January 16, 2021

only positive 🙌

— LScotty2706 (@LScotty2706) January 16, 2021

Looked brilliant today. Shame the same can’t be said for the majority of the others

— Jordan Kinsley (@JordanKinsleyx) January 16, 2021

1 positive to take from that game Jarred Branthwaite

Also don't know why Davenport doesn't start more#Rovers

— Tom (@tombury89) January 16, 2021

I know we’re only one game in, but I really like the look of Jarrad Branthwaite.
A good individual performance.

He looks pretty solid so far!#Rovers

— Chris Martin (@ChrisMartin_93) January 16, 2021

Branthwaite has looked pretty calm and assured so far for #Rovers

— Matt Arrowsmith (@arrowsm) January 16, 2021

Branthwaite an impressive debut so far. #Rovers

— John Mousis (@jmousis) January 16, 2021