Everton are 17 points clear of 18th-placed Ipswich Town, which is pretty remarkable given the predicament they were in during Sean Dyche’s reign.

The rise in form has been partly due to Moyes’ more attacking approach, which has brought the best out of Beto and Iliman Ndiaye, most notably.

Everton have also been much better at keeping the ball and progressing it forward from the back and it’s easy to see why after the statistic that’s just emerged about Jarrad Branthwaite.

Jarrad Branthwaite most two-footed centre-back in Premier League
According to PFF FC’s findings, Branthwaite is statistically the most two-footed centre-back in the Premier League.

The England international

, who is naturally left-footed, uses his right foot 37 per cent of the time, which is quite remarkable.

Branthwaite is really comfortable with his weak foot and is one of the key cogs in Everton’s more progressive system.

His proficiency in possession has offered midfielders and creative players more opportunities on the ball, rather than relying on long balls and percentage passes down the channels.

Everton need to tie Branthwaite down to new deal
Branthwaite’s contract is due to expire in 2027, so Everton really need to tie him down to fresh terms to ward off interest.

Manchester United have been tracking Branthwaite in recent months, and with just over two years left on his contract, the Toffees aren’t in a strong negotiation position. If Branthwaite does not sign a new contract, this summer is the last chance to sell him for his true value of about £70 million.