Jeff Stelling raves about Everton star after loss vs Liverpool - 'Warrior'
Everton can take a lot of positives from their 2-1 loss against Liverpool on Saturday.
David Moyes' miserable record at Anfield continued, but there were good moments for the Blues despite the defeat on 20 September.
Jack Grealish was in fine form for Everton, and Idrissa Gueye was able to pull one goal back after the Reds had taken an early two-goal lead, but it was not enough.
While the majority of the focus has been on the Toffees' attacking performance, the way that the defence bounced back after conceding twice has hardly been mentioned.
James Tarkowski shines in Everton loss to Liverpool
Vitalii Mykolenko did not cover himself in glory on his return to Everton's defence, but James Tarkowski excelled in the second half.
Jeff Stelling was blown away by the 32-year-old's display in the contest and singled him out for praise live on air.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 22 September (8:59 am), he said: “I want to throw one more name into the Everton discussion, just very briefly.
“I thought a draw would not have been undeserved, James Tarkowski, I mean, what a warrior he is.”
Ally McCoist replied: “Brilliant, I loved it.”
David Moyes can rely on James Tarkowski
Tarkowski has been a rock at the back for Moyes since he returned to the Toffees, forming a brilliant partnership with Jarrad Branthwaite.
While the young England defender has been out since the pre-season friendly with Roma in August, the veteran has looked just as solid with Michael Keane next to him.
- Tarkowski joined the Blues in 2022 on a free transfer
- He has made 125 appearances for Everton, with four goals in those matches
- The veteran has captained Moyes' side in their five league games this season.
Moyes knows that he can rely on the former Burnley man to come with the goods when needed, at either end, with his Merseyside derby goal from last season being one of his finest moments in a blue shirt.
The fact that he has stepped up in Branthwaite's absence and formed a similar partnership with Keane is a testament to his ability and leadership.
He will be crucial if the Toffees are to qualify for European football, and it is nice to see him getting the praise that he deserves from mainstream media, which he does not get often enough.
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