Everton have one of the most underrated players in the Premier League in the eyes of pundit Troy Deeney.
There was elation for Evertonians this weekend following the brilliant 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
David Moyes produced a tactical masterclass at Villa Park to get things back on track, and sent Everton 10th in the Premier League.
How good was Thierno Barry by the way? 🔥
After a little stumble lately, Everton are now just four points off fourth placed Liverpool.
In this unpredictable season, there is still every chance that the Toffees can push for European football come the end of the campaign.
To achieve this, defensive solidity will be paramount – and James Tarkowski certainly helps Everton in this regard.
- READ MORE: Everton player ratings vs Aston Villa, Thierno Barry one of four 8/10s in big win for David Moyes
Troy Deeney claims James Tarkowski is one of the most underrated Premier League players
Against Villa, Tarkowski was a colossus.
Alongside Jake O’Brien, he had all the answers to Villa’s questions, throwing his body in front of anything and everything.
As per Sofascore data, he made 11 defensive contributions, which were made up of four clearances, two blocks, three interceptions and two tackles. He also won six of the eight duels he contested.
Troy Deeney has included Tarkowski in his latest Premier League Team of the Week, and insisted the Everton man is one of the most underrated players in the division.
“Wonderful performance in Sunday’s win at Aston Villa,” he told BBC Sport. “He gets in both for his attacking threat and also because defensively, he was a monster.
“I think he’s one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. He’s fantastic with the way he approaches the game and what he delivers.”
Tarkowski has been a terrific signing for Everton
Deeney makes a fair point about Tarkowski.
Obviously, Everton have come close to being relegated a few times over the years. But ultimately, defensive solidity has been a major reason why that hasn’t happened – and Tarkowski has more than played his part.
He may not be a top ball-player like so many centre-halves are these days. Although he’s certainly not bad in this area of his game.
But his no-nonsense, old-school style has served him extremely well and his contributions have gone very far for this football club.
James Tarkowski has made it into WhoScored’s Premier League Team of the 2020’s so far! 👏
Everton fans, just how good a signing has Tarky been?
Perhaps he’s not quite at the same level now as in the last couple of seasons. But his showing against Villa proves he is still immense on his day.
Tarkowski was recently named in WhoScored’s Team of the 2020s so far, which acknowledges just how consistent he’s been.
In terms of how important he is to Everton’s defensive solidity, what he’s done for the club and how little people shout about him outside of the Toffees sphere, it’s fair to say he’s very underrated.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
