James Tarkowski has underlined his importance to Everton by winning more duels than any other Premier League player this season.
Everton highlighted their captain’s numbers on Tuesday, revealing that Tarkowski has won 57 duels during the opening seven league matches of the campaign. The 33-year-old has been an ever-present at the heart of David Moyes’ defence, starting every Premier League game and playing all 630 available minutes.
Tarkowski has also contributed at the other end of the pitch, recording one goal and one assist as Everton have taken 10 points from their opening seven matches.
Tarkowski sets the standard for Everton
The duel statistic is supported by Tarkowski’s wider defensive numbers. He has made 39 clearances and 17 interceptions in the Premier League this season, while winning 11 of his 14 attempted tackles. His 57 successful duels put him 12 clear of the next highest centre-backs in the division, with Liverpool’s Jeremy Jacquet and Sunderland’s Dan Ballard both on 45.
Tarkowski’s durability has long been one of his defining qualities. Since joining Everton from Burnley in 2022, he has made 153 league appearances for the club and has rarely been absent from the side.
He has also taken on greater responsibility this season after being named Everton’s club captain following Seamus Coleman’s departure. The latest numbers suggest that responsibility has done little to diminish his effectiveness. Tarkowski remains a major part of a defence which has kept three clean sheets in seven league matches and suffered its first defeat of the campaign against Chelsea on Saturday.
Everton now face another significant test when they travel to Arsenal this weekend, with Tarkowski likely to be central to their attempts to respond at the Emirates Stadium.
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