The unsung Everton hero who’s key to European ambitions, move aside Iliman Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall
James Tarkowski has been a wall at the back for Everton this season.
The captain has not missed a single minute of Premier League action as the Toffees currently sit seventh in the table.
Everton take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and if they achieve a first league win at there since 1994, then David Moyes’ side will certainly be believing that they can qualify for Europe.
While Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan-Dewsbury-Hall have been among those to take the plaudits, Everton’s defence has been equally impressive.
Tarkowski has been an unsung hero, and he has proven time and time again that he is willing to put his body on the line for the Toffees.
James Tarkowski registers most blocks in Premier League this season
Everton’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest not only highlighted Everton’s attacking brilliance but also amplified their ability to keep clean sheets with relative ease.
The 33-year-old made a crucial block from Nicolas Dominguez’s shot with the score at 2-0, adding another one to his impressive tally in 2025-26.
According to Sofascore, Tarkowski has made the most blocks out of any Premier League player this season (19).
| Season | Appearances |
| 2022-23 | 38 |
| 2023-24 | 38 |
| 2024-25 | 33 |
| 2025-26 | 15* |
Ndiaye’s magic on the wing has been incredible, while Dewsbury-Hall’s creativity in attacking midfield has been revolutionary for how Moyes wants his side to attack.
However, every strong team is built on defensive prowess, and the captain has formed a formidable partnership with Michael Keane alongside him.
Since Moyes returned to Everton, the Toffees have won 10 league matches while keeping a clean sheet, and it’s no coincidence that he has been an ever-present in the team.
Keane has been consistent for Everton, while Jordan Pickford is certainly someone supporters can count on to single-handedly earn them points.
The team that finishes eighth in the table has a chance of qualifying for the Conference League, and Tarkowski‘s influence will certainly give them the best opportunity of securing continental football.
Is an England call-up too unrealistic for James Tarkowski?
With the 2026 World Cup just six on the way, Tarkowski is definitely not lined up for an England call up.
However, all the stats point to him being one of the country’s highest performing centre-backs at the moment.
The Toffees have already kept six clean sheets, and while Tarkowski wouldn’t be in a position to start, he could add a lot to the squad off the pitch.
There are barely any more experienced leaders in the top flight at the moment, and Thomas Tuchel could do with someone in the squad who takes on that role behind the scenes.
It’s a huge long shot, but if Everton’s number six keeps up his form, then he will undoubtedly creep into the equation.
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