Everton have had some top players at the club over the years, but they might also have one of the most underrated players in the Premier League right now.
Jack Grealish has been taking all the headlines lately, and deservedly so. There have been calls for him to be reintegrated into the England set-up, and with the form he is in, it won’t be long before he is.
Robbie Keane has admitted he loves Grealish’s personality, and former Liverpool forward Robbie Fowler is a big fan of the Everton winger.
However, there is another player at Everton that deserves credit, and yet his name is rarely brought up when it comes to an England call-up.
That man is vice-captain James Tarkowski, who is consistently overlooked by fans and England managers.
Everton v Crystal Palace - Premier League
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James Tarkowski deserves more credit for role in Everton defence
Everton know how good James Tarkowski is, and that faith was rewarded by handing the defender a new deal.
Tarkowski is set to stay at Everton until 2028, and he has been excellent in their back line ever since joining in 2022.
The announcement had former Everton defender Conor Coady excited.
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Tarkowski has played 128 times for the Toffees and has given fans moments they will always remember, including that incredible equaliser against bitter rivals Liverpool at Goodison.
"Can we have that on replay" 😂
Jamie Carragher and James Tarkowski react to THAT amazing goal Tarkowski scored against Liverpool 🔵 pic.twitter.com/OGMv18FBmD
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 5, 2025
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His new deal means there is plenty more to come from the man in the blue shirt; however, it certainly feels like his defensive work goes under the radar among supporters of other clubs.
Everton fans already know how good he is, but the rest of the Premier League seems to neglect the qualities he has.
Tarkowski leads the way in multiple areas of defending since 2021/2022, with the notable ones being most duels won (935), most aerial duels won (551), and most interceptions (202), according to Squawka.
The best way to describe the player is as a master of the art of basic defending in football.
James Tarkowski has extended his contract with Everton until June 2028. ✍️
Since the start of the 2021/22 season, he tops the Premier League for:
◉ Most duels won (935)
◉ Most clearances (823)
◉ Most aerial duels won (551)
◉ Most headed clearances (496)
◉ Most blocks (249)… pic.twitter.com/V8JoBNWOCW
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 8, 2025
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Perhaps with pundits speaking out, such as Ally McCoist, who also believes Tarkowski is underrated, the defender might finally get the praise he deserves.
It does feel like, were he at one of the ‘traditional big six’, his name would be brought up a lot more.
James Tarkowski is good enough to play for England
James Tarkowski is still good enough to play for England at the top level.
He has been an incredible leader over the years for Everton, and the fact he only has two England appearances since 2018 is a real shame.
Heading into the World Cup, Thomas Tuchel will have plenty of friendlies he can use to test different players. While the appeal of the younger and more promising defenders will catch the eye, he should also look towards Tarkowski’s direction.
He might not be the most inspiring selection, but he would be the correct one.
Hopefully, the world of football will start to see what Toffees supporters have seen for the last few years.