James Tarkowski has opened up on the Everton players who haven’t been given enough credit this season.
The Toffees have now secured their Premier League survival after a superb run of form over the past two weeks.
Three wins to nil have followed the 6-0 defeat to Chelsea, including a memorable 2-0 Merseyside Derby victory over Liverpool at Goodison Park.
Clean sheets have been the bedrock of the Blues’ success this season; league leaders Arsenal are the only side to have amassed more.
Alongside Jarrad Branthwaite, Tarkowski has been an integral part of Everton’s defensive success. However, during an interview with the Liverpool Echo, the 31-year-old was quick to highlight some of the unsung heroes.
James Tarkowski highlights unsung heroes at Everton
The former Burnley man admitted that he and the rest of the defence would get the plaudits but also suggested those in front of him do a “hell of a lot of work”.
He said: “For the most, we’ve defended really well this season. The back four and Jordan will probably take most of the plaudits for that, but it’s a team game, and the lads in front of me and the rest of the back four do a hell of a lot of work. A lot of the focus will be on Jordan for the clean sheets, but it’s a real team game.”
Defence has to be the foundation of any successful team
The most successful teams are completely resolute in defensive areas. Arsenal and Manchester City, for example, have conceded the fewest goals this season. By preventing the ball from hitting the back of the net, it means only one moment of quality is required to win a game.
For Everton, the defensive side of the game has been impressive throughout the whole season. The issues, as we all know, have come at the top end of the pitch. Over the summer, Dyche must turn his attention towards turning his side into a consistent threat.
With the defensive principles set in stone, there’s a chance for Everton to really kick on next season with the former Burnley boss at the wheel.
