It has been revealed that Everton prospect Jarrad Branthwaite spoke to Harvey Elliott before joining his fellow teenager on loan at Blackburn Rovers recently.
The 18-year-old defender impressed Rovers manager Tony Mowbray on his debut for the Championship side last weekend and is further proof that the 57-year-old does not shy away from the inexperience of teenage talent.
Elliott, who joined Rovers on loan from Everton’s arch-rivals Liverpool in October, has played with a maturity beyond his years under Mowbray’s tutelage. Drawing on both the red and blue sides of Merseyside, Rovers have benefitted from the two youngsters, who have a combined age of just 35.
Born in 2003, 17-year-old Elliott has scored four goals and set up another seven in 20 appearances for Blackburn, a record to satisfy any seasoned professional, let alone a youngster still to become an adult.
In that view, Branthwaite was a priority target for Mowbray, and Rovers have to thank the Liverpool starlet for helping to bring the Everton prospect to Ewood Park.
Speaking to Lancs Live, Branthwaite confirmed Elliott’s role in persuading him to move to Blackburn, saying:
I spoke to Harvey before I signed and he said that he’s loving it here, so that was another thing that made me want to come. He’s enjoying his football and obviously he’s getting lots of game time so that’s a benefit for him as well.
I thought it [the move] was perfect, to be fair. I spoke to the manager numerous times and the things he was saying about the club and how they want to play, it just fit right in.
And with me having a house in Liverpool it’s perfect for me to get into training, it only takes 35 minutes so it all just fit perfectly really.
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The promise shown by Branthwaite and Elliott should encourage football fans across Liverpool and beyond, who could see two rising stars gaining invaluable, possibly life-changing footballing experience together.
How ironic it would be if the Everton talent was to become a Toffees stalwart off the back of his loan spell at Blackburn after the intervention of a Liverpool player.
