Everton have entered a new chapter in the club’s history following the recent takeover by The Friedkin Group.
It is not just new owners marking a fresh start at Everton, with a new stadium also on the horizon ahead of the summer.
A busy transfer window awaits Everton who will be needing to replace a number of players set to leave at the end of their contracts.
However, David Moyes has found a core group of players at Goodison Park since making his return in January that he’ll want to see transition into Bramley-Moore Dock.
Everton are on a seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, following what has been an incredible turnaround from the Sean Dyche days.
A number of players have stepped up in the short space of time Moyes has been back at the club.
But there is one player who has really stood out to the 61-year-old both on the pitch and behind-the-scenes.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
David Moyes wowed by James Tarkowski’s Everton leadership
Since being appointed as manager, Moyes has been impressed by Carlos Alcaraz to name just one example at Everton.
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It would be difficult not to be wowed by some of the performances being put in at Goodison Park over the last month and a half.
Speaking in Friday’s press conference, Moyes admitted James Tarkowski has actually really impressed him off the pitch as well as on it.
“He’s gone to show maybe without one or two centre-halves in the league, he’s as good as anybody,” said Moyes.
“Certainly, having people who are fit and available for every game, that in itself in football is an incredible record as you want your best players fit.”
“I have to say, congratulate Tarky because he’s doing a great job, and I have to say, he’s proven behind-the-scenes to be a good leader, as well.
“He’s taken over from Seamus at the moment whilst Seamus has been injured. But he’s done a great job’.”
Tarkowski has hailed working under Moyes, with the Toffees able to pull themselves away from the bottom three since January.
And it seems the defender is playing a hugely important role, both playing alongside Jarrad Branthwaite and his work in the dressing room and training pitch.
Seamus Coleman may need replacing at Everton this summer
It has been a frustrating campaign for Seamus Coleman, who has been sidelined for a lot of it through injuries.
Coleman admitted he could leave Everton this summer, with his contract coming to an end at the conclusion of the campaign.
The Ireland international has spent the best part of his career at Everton and knows Goodison Park inside and out.
Everton career Seamus Coleman James Tarkowski
Appearances 426 113
Minutes 33,637 10,023
Goals 28 4
Assists 28 3
Regardless of where his future lies, his injury record this season has meant Everton have needed a new leader in the dressing room.
And it appears Tarkowski has taken on that responsibility, with Moyes delighted with what he has seen from the Englishman.