Liam Thomas

Mon 31 October 2022 11:10, UK

James Tarkowski has hailed the impact Frank Lampard has had on him at Everton since joining the club this summer from Burnley.

Lampard desperately needed to mend the Blues’ leaky defence this summer after the club conceded 66 league goals last term and Tarkowski has been pivotal in spearheading the backline revival.

The defender confessed that Lampard has been “unbelievable” with him since joining the team and claimed it’s been a breath of fresh air for him at the Merseyside club.

“It’s been incredible. The coaching is unbelievable,” he told talkSPORT.

“Obviously I knew the player he was but I’ve learnt so much in the last six months. I just feel like I’m still improving under him.

“I don’t ever feel like I’m getting stale. Since I’ve gone there it’s been a breath of fresh air for me. I’m learning new things every day.

“There is a bit of expectation to be a leader in there but that’s what I want to be and I’m enjoying taking on that role as well.”

Rock.

Tarkowski has been a rock at the heart of Lampard’s defence since joining Everton and has been one of the main reasons behind the team’s improved defensive record.

Everton’s backline isn’t the finished article just yet but the partnership Tarkowski is forming with Conor Coady is fresh and exciting.

The Toffees signed both Tarkowski and Coady this summer, as they looked to strengthen their leaky defence and the duo have proved to be shrewd bits of business.

They’ve become one of the Premier League’s meanest centre-back pairings and have shown that experience is vital in the English top flight.

Everton’s new centre-back duo have even been touted to start for England in the upcoming World Cup, something that Gareth Southgate hasn’t yet explored.

Selfishly, the Blues will want Tarkowski to stay put on Merseyside to avoid any unwanted injuries when the Premier League returns from its mini-break.

One thing that is for sure is Lampard will be more than happy with how Tarkowski has slotted into life at Goodison.