James Tarkowski had his critics during pre-season, but former Everton teammate Ashley Young has offered a timely reminder of what the defender still brings to David Moyes’ side.
Tarkowski was excellent as Everton kept their first Premier League clean sheet of the season in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Tottenham. Alongside Jarrad Branthwaite, he helped restrict Spurs to just two shots on target as Everton extended their unbeaten start.
Young backs Tarkowski
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Young was full of praise for his former teammate. “He’s a great player. He’s one of them who has got that confidence in himself. He is one of the elder statesmen now.
“He’s been at the club; he knows the club inside and out. He is the club captain now; he’s taken over from Seamus.”
Young played alongside Tarkowski during his two seasons at Everton and knows plenty about the influence experienced players can have around the dressing room.
“Tarky there, he’s fantastic for the older players and the younger players. And do you know, even for the staff around the place.”
Tarkowski didn’t have the easiest of pre-seasons and there were calls from some supporters for Moyes to look elsewhere, particularly with Jake O’Brien among his options at centre-back. Moyes has kept faith with his captain alongside Branthwaite and Saturday was a decent reminder of why.
At 33, Tarkowski isn’t going to win every argument on pace or potential. But experience, organisation, leadership and a willingness to defend still count for plenty. After some of the criticism aimed his way during the summer, Young’s words feel well timed.
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