‘Everton have one of the most underrated Premier League players after what I saw vs Aston Villa’
Troy Deeney believes that one of Everton’s stars deserves a lot more attention this season.
Everton returned to winning ways against Aston Villa on Sunday, with summer signing Thierno Barry scoring the only goal of the game after an error from Emi Martinez.
As has often been the case on the road this season, it was yet another resolute display from the Toffees, who have now won the joint-most away games in the Premier League since David Moyes took over as manager.
Several players emerged with extra credit in the bank after the win at Villa Park, but Deeney strongly believes that one player in particular isn’t getting enough attention.
No, it’s not James Garner who Troy Deeney thinks is underrated
Quite frankly, if you don’t rate James Garner by now, then football may not be for you.
The 24-year-old has been simply outstanding for the Toffees this season, showcasing just how important it will be to get him tied down to a new contract, with his current deal expiring at the end of the current campaign.
Instead, it was James Tarkowski who was picked out by Deeney for his defensive display against the Villans at the weekend.
Having named him in his BBC Team of the Week, Deeney said: “Wonderful performance in Sunday’s win at Aston Villa. He gets in both for his attacking threat and also because, defensively, he was a monster.
“I think he’s one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. He’s fantastic with the way he approaches the game and what he delivers.”
It wasn’t just a heat-of-the-moment pick either; his stats back up the argument.
James Tarkowski’s game by numbers vs Aston Villa
Despite being 33 years old, Tarkowski has shown on a consistent basis that he is still a top-level Premier League centre-back, and one that Everton are lucky to have.
It was the case again away to the Villans, with Sofascore having registered the defender as having won all three of his ground duels, and three of his five in the air.
Tarkowski made three interceptions, four clearances, and blocked two shots from Aston Villa, relieving the pressure on Jordan Pickford.
His passing has been strong throughout the campaign as well, with 89 per cent of his attempted passes within his own half reaching their desired destination.
With Jarrad Branthwaite set to return from injury in a matter of weeks, Moyes faces no headache whatsoever as to what his best defensive partnership truly is this season.
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