James Tarkowski now undroppable at Everton with more than double blocks of any other player
Frank Lampard could easily be tempted to make some big changes to his Everton side but there is one player he simply cannot drop.
James Tarkowski was the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window on a free from recently-relegated Burnley and he will be the last person who wants to experience that heartbreak again.
That passion appears to be shining through at Goodison Park with his stubborn and committed defending seeing him stand head and shoulders above the rest of the entire Premier League.
In a post shared on the official Premier League Twitter account, Tarkowski’s brilliance at blocking shots shines through having made 38 blocks so far this season.
The closest challenger to Tarkowski is actually his former partner in defence at Turf Moor, Ben Mee who has now gone to Brentford with 18 blocks.
To be 20 ahead of everyone else in the Premier League at this stage of the season is a remarkable effort but it doesn’t bode well for Everton and Lampard that he is having to do so much defending.
He would much prefer a quiet afternoon where his side are on the front foot and the defensive unit is not tested because they are truly dominant but it doesn’t look likely anytime soon.
The return to fitness of Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina could easily see the boss consider changes at the back but Tarkowski can’t be dropped given how many times he saves the team from conceding.
Conor Coady’s leadership is also a vital attribute for the team so for either of the returning duo to get into the side, a change in formation might be necessary.
No matter who Everton go out and sign either in January or next summer, they have to be somebody who can fit alongside the England international who is now the first outfield name on the teamsheet every week.