James Tarkowski has come in for high praise from Seamus Coleman, after the centre-back passed 150 appearances for the Toffees.
His years may be advancing, but James Tarkowski has again been practically ever-present this season for Everton.
There are some real leaders proving themselves in this Everton side! 💪
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Everton celebrates as Thierno Barry of Everton scores a goal vs Newcastle. James Garner of Everton plays during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton. Jordan Pickford of Everton celebrates their side's first goal vs Chelsea.
Credit: Getty Images/Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto/Michael Driver/MI News/James Gill – Danehouse.
He has missed just one game against Arsenal, underlining the trust that David Moyes still has in him.
Some have argued that Tarkowski hasn’t quite been at the same level as in previous seasons. But it has been clear that the manager still views him as integral.
He is a leader of the side, and his presence in the starting XI is hugely important.
And one man who definitely appreciates the leadership qualities he brings is Seamus Coleman.
Seamus Coleman hails James Tarkowski
James Tarkowski pumps a fist.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Coleman, of course, is Everton’s club captain.
But the veteran doesn’t get too many minutes these days and plays more of a support role, meaning Tarkowski is the man with the armband more often than not.
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And Coleman feels his leadership qualities really help him out.
He said (via Liverpool Echo): “He’s led the lads on the pitch for the last couple of years when I have not been there and he’s been incredible.
“I take great pride in being fit to help them along the way and [we have] great leaders now and Tarky is an immense leader.”
Coleman actually hailed Tarkowski’s leadership again recently, describing himself as ‘fortunate’ to have teammates like him, Jordan Pickford and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
David Moyes still greatly values Tarkowski
Tarkowski may be getting on a bit, but it seems he could still be at the heart of that Everton defence for some time yet.
The Liverpool Echo’s feature piece on the player includes a line about the future pairing of Jarrad Branthwaite and Jake O’Brien.
Many fans are expecting those two to be the future regulars at centre-back.
David Moyes gives James Tarkowski instructions.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
It’s suggested that there will come a time when Tarkowski and Michael Keane start to have more bit-part roles.
But it’s made clear that this is not on Moyes’ radar just yet.
Seemingly Tarkowski is set to keep his place in the side until at least the end of the current season.
But Everton are said to be targeting a new central defender this summer as a priority, so it will be interesting to see if Tarkowski does feature a little less next term.
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