One of several Bradford City summer signings this season was Everton’s 21-year-old midfielder Jenson Metcalfe.
Before arriving in West Yorkshire, Metcalfe played 18 times for the Toffee’s under-21 side, scoring four and gaining four assists. He also captained several age groups.
This sort of form would be rewarded as Metcalfe was named on the Everton bench for the opening game of the 2024/25 season at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Wigan born man spent last season on loan in League Two with Chesterfield, where he made 28 appearances, scoring one goal and assisting a further two.
One of the main things that has helped Metcalfe to settle in that Bradford City midfield is undoubtedly club captain Max Power and his influence during games.
The Bantams appear to have found that correct balance with Power doing the ‘scrappy’ work, whilst Metcalfe does the creative stuff.
This was opitimized in Monday night’s victory as Graham Alexander’s side beat bottom-of-the-table Port Vale 1-0.
Power laid the ball off for Metcalfe to take a touch and then unleash a ferocious effort that would go over Vale keeper Ben Amos.
Speaking to the official club website, a delighted Metcalfe said:
“It was not the smoothest of games. It was rough out there, but we stuck with it.
“We have been in these moments before going out into the second half goalless, and then a bit of quality comes through.
“It is another clean sheet, and obviously, I got my goal today, which I am buzzing with.”
One thing noticed by Bantams fans is the energy that Metcalfe possesses, between himself and Power, that midfield is very assured.
Metcalfe will often be seen looking for the pockets of space to get his team on the front foot.
This will include looking for diagonal passes and putting in a tackle when needed, which is shown by the three yellow cards that the 21-year-old has inherited this season.
It was almost a shock when Bradford City signed Jenson Metcalfe.
At the time it was rumoured that some Championship clubs were interested in the 21-year-old, but the Bantams got their bid in and secured their man.
If this sort of form continues, could Bradford City make a profit on Metcalfe?
