James Tarkowski shares verdict on new Everton change v Wolves
Everton defender James Tarkowski has responded to the impact of Michael Keane in attack, as he made his presence felt in Saturday’s crucial draw with Wolves at Molineux, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
Keane was involved in the equaliser scored by Jerry Mina, as his overall prowess in the opposition box was praised after he became an unlikely focal point of attack following another injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The Toffees’ lack of significant options upfront has been highlighted in recent weeks leading to the shock striker role for Keane but the impromptu arrangement is down to his proven ability to find the target.
Tarkowski commented on his teammate amid reports that he is actually one of the best finishers in the squad.
“You have probably heard it before but we all know that Keano is quality in and around the box,” he said.
“He scored the goal against Spurs and he has scored a fair few goals so he has a knack of knowing where to be, and he is good in the air so when we lost Dom he was that physical presence and it just made sense to throw him up there.
“He (Calvert-Lewin) is a big player for us. Someone is clearly going to have to do a job, we have got Neal (Maupay) there, Demarai (Gray) has played up there for us, so it is an opportunity for one of them to come in and show what they are about.”
Urgent requirement
Everton need to respond to the need to get a result on the final day of the season against Bournemouth.
Calvert-Lewin is very doubtful to feature, given his hamstring issue, on top of an existing groin complaint and if he is ruled out, their task is obviously more difficult.
Maupay and Gray don’t bring the same impact but regardless of personnel, the Toffees simply must find a way.
The urgent requirement is for the players to step up to find the goals that will secure a win against the Cherries, which should be enough to secure their Premier League status.
It would be a shock if Keane was to be handed a striker role from the start but no surprise at all if he finds the net, given his ability and awareness in attack, as he was previously evidenced.
An epic end-of-season finale is in store at Goodison Park on Sunday.