(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Tue 12 May 2026 6:40, UK

Troy Deeney is a big fan of James Tarkowski and loved his performance in Everton‘s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Toffees took a point back to Merseyside after the game ended all square at Selhurst Park, but it wasn’t the result they were hoping for.

David Moyes‘ side have lost ground in their push for Europe these past few weeks, and with two league games remaining, it remains to be see whether the Blues will achieve their dream.

Regardless of what happens in the next two, Everton have had a positive season, and a lot of that is down to their defence.

Tarkowski was on top form against Crystal Palace, as Deeney suggests that’s been a common theme for the Toffees this campaign.

Troy Deeney says James Tarkowski ‘big reason’ for Everton success

Tarkowski put in a man-of-the-match performance against the Eagles, putting his own side one goal to the good early on, before orchestrating Everton’s second.

He played Beto in with a lovely long ball through the middle, and it showcased that age is just a number with the defender.

The 33-year-old won 75 per cent of his ground duels while making 13 defensive contributions, and was probably let down by Michael Keane next to him.

While writing for BBC Sport after the game, Deeney chose to include Tarkowski in his team of the week, explaining why and how he’s been a big player for Everton this campaign.

Deeney wrote: “A goal and an assist in a big centre-half performance away at Crystal Palace. Everton have been quietly punching under the surface, and he has been a big reason why their season has been fantastic.”

Despite the centre-half’s heroics, Everton look set to finish in 10th place, according to Opta.

This wouldn’t be good enough in the context of their push for Europe, as Moyes would hope for Tarkowski to be on top of his game ahead of another attempt next season.

Michael Keane made Tarkowski look worse vs Crystal Palace

Tarkowski was robbed of one of the all time great performances at Selhurst Park, and that’s because of his defensive counterpart, Keane.

The Englishman was at fault for Oliver Glasner’s side’s first goal of the contest when he failed to deal with Ismaila Sarr’s first attempt, before the second found its way past Jordan Pickford.

Keane has been solid for the most part, but times like this are when Everton fans will want Jarrad Branthwaite to grow a new hamstring.

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