(Credit: Imago)

Richie Mills

Tue 24 March 2026 16:10, UK

Everton star James Tarkowski is rivalling Virgil van Dijk when it comes to defending his own box.

The centre-back turns 34 later this year, but the veteran is showing no signs of slowing down for David Moyes’ side in the Premier League.

The defender’s strong start to the season was rewarded with a new deal in October, with Tarkowski extending his stay on Merseyside until 2028.

The former Burnley man has continued that impressive form, with Tarkowski playing a big part in Everton’s push for European football.

Now, another stat has emerged that shows just how important Tarkowski is for Everton, as they sit eighth in the Premier League table.

James Tarkowski is a rock at the back

The towering Tarkowski has never been the most technically gifted player, but his defensive solidity cannot be ignored.

Plus, he can offer an aerial threat, although his two goal contributions this season will unlikely satisfy his high standards.

Indeed, according to Sofascore, Tarkowski stands above all the other Premier League centre-backs when it comes to blocks made per 90 minutes, with the former Brentford man topping the charts at 1.4.

He has chalked up 41 blocked shots this season, which is more than any other centre-back, and Tarkowski also leads the way for ground duels won (195).

And according to Squawka, only Liverpool’s Van Dijk, who is regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, pips him for aerial duels won (147 vs 125).

Incidentally, Everton striker Thierno Barry is in fourth at 110, in a top 10 dominated by central defenders.

Either way, Tarkowski is worth his weight in gold for Everton.

Everton also indebted to Jordan Pickford

For all of the adulation that should come Tarkowski’s way, England’s number one, Jordan Pickford, deserves so much credit, too.

Stats show that Pickford tops the list among his Premier League goalkeeping peers when it comes to most goals prevented.

The England stopper has prevented upwards of five goals, with Crystal Palace’s Jordan Henderson and Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez behind him on 4.4 and 3.3, respectively.

In recent weeks, Pickford has pulled off some world-class saves, most notably in a victory at Newcastle United.

With Pickford and Tarkowski at the back, it is no wonder that they have the joint-third best defensive record in the Premier League (35 goals conceded in 31 games).