Everton defender James Tarkowski has named Jamie Vardy as one of the toughest opponents he has faced.
Speaking to The Times, the centre-back admitted that he ‘clashed a couple of times’ with his England teammate because of the challenge he posed on the pitch.
Tarkowski arrived in the Premier League with Burnley in 2016 and quickly attracted attention for his brilliant performances at the back. The Clarets’ return to the Championship led to the defender signing for Everton, where he has proven to be another important figure in their backline.
Tarkowski has come up against some huge talents during his career and faced the likes of Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne on his international debut in 2018.
However, it is Vardy that Tarkowski remembers as being one of his hardest opponents to stop before Leicester City were relegated.
“I always found Vardy tough to play against,” Tarkowski said.
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“Players who are constantly making runs behind you are the hardest ones. Me and him clashed a couple of times. But through England, I met him and we got a bit pally.”
Could Jamie Vardy join Everton this summer?
Football Transfers reported earlier this summer that Everton were interested in signing Jamie Vardy after Leicester City dropped down to the Championship.
After netting only three goals in the top flight last season, the 36-year-old was reportedly told he could leave ahead of his contract expiry next summer.
The Foxes would look for a ‘small’ fee to offload Vardy, who was also a target for Everton in January 2022.
The Toffees have since been linked with his teammates, Patson Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho, though they may not sign any of them as they look to secure a deal for Southampton’s Che Adams.