Credit: Imago

Samuel Fabre

Mon 23 March 2026 13:40, UK

James Tarkowski has been a wall at the back for Everton this season.

The captain has only missed one Premier League game during this campaign, as the Toffees currently sit eighth in the table.

Everton beat Chelsea 3-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, and David Moyes’ side certainly believes that they can qualify for European football for the first time since 2016-17.

While Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan-Dewsbury-Hall have been among those to take the plaudits, Everton’s defence has been equally impressive again.

Tarkowski has been an unsung hero, and he has proven time and again that he is willing to put his body on the line for the Toffees, leading the way with the most blocks per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season.

James Tarkowski has blocked more shots than any other centre-back in the Premier League

There was a late fitness test for Tarkowski‘s availability against Chelsea after he missed the loss to Arsenal earlier in March.

Thankfully for Everton fans, their captain was passed fit, and he excelled against Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, one of the most in-form strikers in the league.

According to Sofascore, Tarkowski has made 1.4 blocks per 90 minutes in the top flight in 2025-26, which is more than any other centre-back in the top flight.

He has blocked more shots than any other centre-back (41), and his total of 204 clearances is better than 95 per cent of players in his position in the Premier League.

The 33-year-old has also won 195 ground duels, which is a league-high for a central defender, and that shows how monumental he has been for the Toffees.

In the opposition box, Tarkowski has had 65 touches and recorded 15 shots on goal, strengthening Everton’s threat from set-pieces.

Everton currently occupy the final European place, and with seven games to go, Tarkowski’s consistency could be the difference between them having a successful campaign or falling short.

Why Tarkowski will also need help from his fellow defenders

Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Keane will also continue to play a big role as the season reaches its climax.

With 12 clean sheets this season, only Arsenal and Man City have more than Everton, which highlights how solid both centre-backs have been when called upon.

With Jordan Pickford in goal, the Toffees know they have a world-class goalkeeper who can bail them out of tough situations.

For all of Tarkowski’s strengths, he has needed help from his teammates at times, particularly due to his lack of pace.

Vitalii Miykolenko and Branthwaite excel in this department, and the Toffees have a backline that really complements each other well.

It brings the best out of Tarkowski, who will feel that he can lead this Everton side to qualification for European football.