James Tarkowski so impressed as one Everton player is ‘constantly outside working’ at Finch Farm

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James Tarkowski, since signing on a free transfer in 2022, has been one of Everton’s most solid performers.

A rock at the back through some of the toughest times in the club’s recent history, he typifies the minimum Goodison Park demands of its players: hard work, commitment and never shirking a tackle.

However, this season, those traits have not been enough.

There has been a notable decline, with reports arguing that the former Burnley man has been playing through all manner of injuries throughout their Premier League term.

His lack of complaints just exemplifies the warrior and leader that he is, and he has now sought to laud one of his teammates even in the face of his own poor form.

James Tarkowski left stunned by Everton teammate Beto

Speaking after their clash with Fulham on the weekend, where Beto actually headed home their dramatic late equaliser, Tarkowski was the latest to praise his teammate.

After all, there has been a justified flood of adulation for the striker, who has suffered a tough past few weeks glued to the bench.

The bruising central defender even revealed: ‘He works so hard, he is constantly outside working on every aspect of his game and he got his rewards.

‘You can see how much it means to him, and I am really pleased for him because he works so hard and he hasn’t played much this year, so for him to get that moment is amazing.

‘For someone who works as hard as him, things are only going to work out for him at some point. It is tough when you are not playing; it is hard to stay match-ready and match-fit. He caused problems, running in behind, and he was in the box getting his head on things.

Tarkowski then addressed Beto’s confidence crisis: ‘Every player, at every level, unless you are Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, suffers a bit of confidence issues at times.

‘I have been through it myself. When you are not playing, it is difficult; I am sure we all do, but he never shows it, he just works hard and sticks at it.’

This came after Beto gave an emotional post-match interview, revealing his struggles.

James Tarkowski’s tough start to the new season

Whilst Beto enjoyed a triumphant return to action last Saturday, the same could not be said for Tarkowski, who continued to struggle.

The 31-year-old has endured a really tough campaign thus far, having had to go the bulk of the Premier League season without his usual partner.

It’s clear now just how integral Jarrad Branthwaite was to the rock-solid backline.

Although Tarkowski remains a keen defender, he has been prone to the occasional reckless rush of blood to the head, resulting in errors or poor judgement calls.

Hopefully Jarrad Branthwaite’s return from injury can recalibrate him, but if anyone deserves to be dropped for the 21-year-old, it’s arguably him.

He still has to prove why it should be Michael Keane who makes way.