James Tarkowski’s Commitment to Everton
Defender James Tarkowski is thriving at Everton and is determined to continue playing for as long as possible. After joining Everton from Burnley on a free transfer in 2022, Tarkowski has delivered exceptional performances for the Toffees.
During his first full season at Everton, Tarkowski stood out as the only outfield player in the Premier League to play every minute. He excelled in various defensive aspects, including blocking the most shots on target. In the following season, he continued his impressive form by winning the most aerial duels in the league, with just one minute missed due to injury.
Tarkowski expressed his satisfaction with his current form, emphasizing his love for the game and his desire to keep playing. He attributed his success to the support of former Burnley manager Sean Dyche, who reunited with Tarkowski at Everton in 2023.
Acknowledging his growing leadership role within the team, Tarkowski highlighted the importance of his voice on and off the pitch. Despite being a key figure in the squad, he remains dedicated to supporting the team captain, Seamus Coleman, and maintaining a consistent performance level.
Despite facing challenges off the pitch during the 2023/24 season, Tarkowski believes Everton made significant progress on the field. The team’s improved performance reflected in their higher points tally and increased number of clean sheets compared to the previous season. Tarkowski emphasized the positive changes in the team’s playing style, consistency, and overall culture.
Looking ahead to the next season, Tarkowski emphasized the need to maintain the high standards set by the team and continue delivering strong performances on the pitch. Despite external uncertainties affecting the team, Tarkowski remains focused on his role and aims to contribute to Everton’s success in the future.