James Tarkowski admits it’s not easy for Conor Coady on Everton matchday right now
James Tarkowski has sounded a glowing endorsement of his Everton teammate Conor Coady for his impact behind the scenes.
Coady hasn’t featured for the Toffees in recent weeks under Sean Dyche with the manager preferring the duo of Tarkowski and Michael Keane in the centre of defence.
The on-loan Wolves player has been praised for his attitude and application in the dressing room and in training.
Given the obvious struggles at Goodison at present, his personal situation is compounded by having to watch on from the bench, but he will welcome the recognition from Tarkowski.
“I think everyone knows what he is like but for someone who has not played for the last few weeks to still be talking the way he is, day in and day out. I know on a matchday it can’t be easy for him but he cares,” stated the former Burnley man, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
Tarkowski was then asked if he was saying that Coady remains a positive driving force for the squad, to which he replied emphatically: “He is one of them. We all want the best for this club and we all want the best for the team so everyone’s noses are pointing in the same direction.”
Attitude and application
This is crunch time for Dyche and Everton as they aim to avoid relegation to the Championship.
They need the full squad pulling in the same direction together, following the encouraging performance against Leicester City last Monday, in the 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium.
Despite not selecting Coady, the boss will be very happy with his attitude and application, setting the tone for other with his professionalism at a pivotal time.
The battle for the Toffees will go to the wire, but the uncertainty for the player is likely to extend further as it is unclear where he will by plying his trade next season.
A permanent switch to his native Merseyside appears unlikely for obvious reasons, yet he was let go at Wolves under Bruno Lage and current Molineux head coach Julen Lopetegui hasn’t sounded any noises relating to a positive return on the cards in the West Midlands.