Everton star leaves Virgil van Dijk in the dust after topping impressive Premier League metric
Everton have remained defensively solid this season, despite dealing with several injuries at the back.
Jarrad Branthwaite suffered a setback in his injury recovery at the start of the season, but the defender is now close to returning.
Vitalii Mykolenko left the Ukraine national camp injured last week, after a scan revealed another issue for the 26-year-old.
The timeline for his return is not yet clear, but Everton can once again call on Adam Aznou, after the Morocco international made his return for the development side.
The Toffees are expected to field James Garner on the left of defence against Aston Villa on Saturday, however, with the midfielder performing well there against Leeds United and Brighton.
James Tarkowski tops impressive defensive Premier League statistic
Everton’s 3-2 win over Wolves exposed some defensive vulnerabilities.
James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford were involved in a mix-up for the first goal, whilst Michael Keane and Mykolenko were caught napping before the home side’s late consolation.
Branthwaite is expected to reclaim his place in the team next to Tarkowski once he returns, and the two make an impressive pair.
The former is more of the sweeping type, often using his pace to make late goal-saving challenges.
| James Tarkowski | Vs Wolves |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Clearances | 7 |
| Headed clearance | 6 |
| Recoveries | 4 |
| Duels won | 5 |
Tarkowski represents the more traditional central-defender of the two, often rising for the aerial challenges or making dramatic blocks.
The former England international’s dominance in the air was backed up by stats revealed by Squawka, which place the Everton man ahead of Virgil van Dijk for aerial duels won over the last three seasons.
The defender has won 381 to the Dutchman’s 374, with Newcastle United man Dan Burn sitting just behind on 349.
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James Tarkowski continues to prove his quality
Tarkowski joined Everton on a free transfer in 2022, and continues to prove that business among the very best in the Toffees’ recent history.
The 32-year-old has failed to appear in just five Premier League games in his three seasons at the club, and has provided consistent excellence throughout his time in blue.
This season has been no different, with Tarkowski winning 20 duels in his three appearances, including 13 in the air.
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