David Moyes
David Moyes caused some Everton fans' "heads to fall off their shoulders" when making the decision in pre-season to hand the captain's armband to James Tarkowski. But his major call is proving to be the correct one.
The Toffees are one of eight teams to remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season after a last-gasp Ainsley Maitland-Niles equaliser secured them a share of the spoils at home to Manchester United.
It was no less than the home side deserved, following a strong performance against Michael Carrick's side, twice coming from behind to grab a draw that made it two draws and a win from their opening three matches of the campaign.
Ahead of the season getting under way, Moyes had a big decision to make with regard to the club captaincy. Seamus Coleman had worn the armband on the pitch and around the club for seven years, but a new leader was needed after the Irishman left the club at the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Tarkowski was the chosen one, having done the job for much of the 2025/26 season in Coleman's absence from the squad.
Maitland-Niles and Tyrique George will have taken the plaudits after the Manchester United draw for their spectacular goals, while Jack Grealish certainly made an impact from the substitutes' bench and fans' favourite Jarrad Branthwaite also got people talking for an incredible double block in the second half.
But Tarkowski, who has split opinion in the fanbase, has gone under the radar somewhat.
Some supporters may argue that he did not keep up with Benjamin Sesko for the goal that looked to have won it for United late on, but the Englishman has impressed so far this season while leading the team.
Tarkowski has the numbers to back up his standing in the Everton ranks
Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley
According to both FotMob Tarkowski is the second-highest rated player in the Everton squad so far this season, with a 7.63 average, while WhoScored have him as the best player so far this year with a 7.53 rating.
Looking at the numbers, Tarkowski makes more interceptions per 90 minutes (3.3) than any other player in the Everton squad, nearly doubling the next best, showing he reads the game well. He also makes 4.3 clearances per 90, second only to Branthwaite, and makes 1 block per 90 too.
He has the best success rate when it comes to long balls, delivering 3.7 accurate ones per match, getting the Toffees on the front foot early. He also wins four aerial duels per 90 minutes, more than any other Everton player and boasts an 81.6% passing success rate so far this season, although Moyes will be delighted that nine other players are better with their passes than the captain.
Before Tarkowski was handed the armband on a permanent basis, Everton fan from The Paddock Blues podcast Paul Brown said that "a lot of fans' heads fell off their shoulders" at the reported news that eventually came true.
He is a player that splits opinion in the fanbase and when he arrived at the club in 2022 he was seen as a Sean Dyche signing, coming from Burnley, where Dyche had been and being instrumental in how he played football.
The centre-back has continued to flourish, even since Dyche's departure, however, and is an integral part of Moyes' squad and perhaps the most unsung hero in the team, despite his presence with the armband.