Ian Woan says Everton have an ‘incredible’ player who is so ‘underrated’

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Everton’s defensive numbers have been mightily impressive during the 2023/24 campaign.

The Toffees have conceded 32 goals in their 24 games, which is on par with fifth-placed Aston Villa, one less than Manchester United, and four less than fourth-placed Tottenham.

If Everton could hit the back of the net more frequently, they would be nowhere near the foot of the Premier League table.

Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski have been the cornerstones of Everton’s defensive success, featuring 21 and 24 times, respectively.

With eight clean sheets – second best in the league – Tarkowski and Branthwaite are proving to be essential to any success the Toffees may have.

The duo’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Everton’s assistant Ian Woan heaping praise on Tarkowski in particular.

Ian Woan praises James Tarkowski’s Everton form

Talking to The Athletic, Woan believes Tarkowski’s performances are being “hugely underrated”.

“Tarks has been incredible,” Woan said (via The Athletic).

“He’s hugely underrated. With his form and his consistency, I have no clue how he doesn’t get in the England squad.”

The Everton assistant also believes the 31-year-old has matured into a leader at Goodison Park.

“He was never our captain at Burnley but he’s just matured into a proper fella; a really good pro and a leader,” he said.

“He cares, he wants to affect people around him, make people better, and he puts such a demand on them. That’s what you want from a captain.”

Tarkowski’s form deserves immense credit, and the same can be said for Branthwaite.

The 21-year-old has been superb of late and has developed during his loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 season.

Unsurprisingly, the Cumbrian-born defender has attracted interest from elsewhere, with Manchester United reportedly in the hunt.

According to iNews, United are now taking a data-led approach to recruitment, which has seen Branthwaite emerge as a target, alongside Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise.

For now, Everton are in a strong position when it comes to the defender. He’s contract until the summer of 2027, which means it will take a significant bid to prise him away from Goodison Park.

Furthermore, if he continues his excellent form, there’s every chance of his price-tag growing.

With the European Championships this summer, Branthwaite will also fancy his chances of breaking into Gareth Southgate’s squad, with England’s back four far from set in stone.