James Tarkowski has faced criticism from Jamie Carragher for his recent Everton performances.
In Everton’s 2025/26 Premier League campaign, James Tarkowski has played every available minute so far.
While Tarkowski has been praised for his performances this season, he has also faced recent criticism from Jamie Carragher.
Carragher described Tarkowski as a ‘problem’ because of his tendency to drop deep and block Jordan Pickford’s vision.
James Tarkowski is leading Premier League in one area
Pickford justified Carragher’s criticism by stating that he is constantly asking his defenders to push up.
But clearly Tarkowski’s methods of defending are working, as he tops the Premier League in several metrics.
Days on from the game, do you think James Tarkowski was lucky not to be sent off? 🤔
No player in the Premier League has made more blocks than Tarkowski’s 23 this season. Brentford’s Nathan Collins sits second with 19.
Tarkowski also ranks second in the Everton squad for duels won, third for interceptions and second for clearances.
The partnership he has built with Michael Keane has been a huge success for Moyes.
Jarrad Branthwaite will mix up Everton defence
Keane and Tarkowski have been Moyes’ first-choice partnership in defence so far this season, but the imminent return of Jarrad Branthwaite will provide fierce competition.
FINALLY some good news of Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury issue. Surely not long now… 🫣
The defender is yet to kick a ball this season after inking his new deal
Moyes issued a promising injury update on Branthwaite last month, with the 23-year-old still yet to play a single minute of Premier League football this season.
READ MORE: Michael Keane and James Tarkowski both agree who David Moyes’ favourite Everton player is
Branthwaite’s return will provide a huge boost to Everton’s defensive depth, and the English defender will be desperate to impress in the second half of the season with the 2026 World Cup around the corner.
Branthwaite is fully focused on Everton and returning to full fitness despite ongoing reports of interest from around the Premier League.
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