James Tarkowski has heaped praise on one Everton player who he believes has really improved during the 2023/24 season.
It’s been a record-breaking campaign for the former Burnley defender after playing an ever-present role in the heart of the Toffees’ defence.
The 31-year-old has started every single Premier League fixture and has been a massive part of Sean Dyche’s side, keeping 13 top-flight clean sheets.
Despite his personal success, Tarkowski has heaped praise on one of his defensive partners at Goodison Park.
James Tarkowski lauds Jarrad Branthwaite’s improvement this season
Jarrad Branthwaite has played a vital role alongside Tarkowski this season.
The 21-year-old has caught the eye this season and talk has emerged of Manchester United preparing a bid for Everton’s prized asset.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live on Friday evening, Tarkowski praised the Cumbrian’s improvement this season.
“Jarrad has been unbelievable. I mean, I saw a little bit of him when I first joined at the start of last season, but he went out on loan very quickly,” he said.
“I only saw a bit of him watching European football, but since he has come in full-time, he has been outstanding. He has physically got everything: 6ft 5, rapid, heads the ball really well, attacks the ball, and defends one-v-one comfortably against pretty much anyone I have seen, but he has also got the composure and the calmness on the ball to play out from the back when he needs to.
“He has just come on leaps and bounds, and to be fair, from the moment I have seen to where he is now, he has done outstanding, and I expect him to just keep on going.”
Everton’s rock-solid defensive duo could be broken up over the summer
Branthwaite’s future is a concern for Evertonians. He is, without a doubt, Everton’s most valuable player and will attract attention over the summer.
Everton are believed to value Branthwaite in the region of £80million, and considering off-the-field wranglings at the moment, it’s hard to see the club turning down a similar-sized offer.
Reports have emerged of Everton being forced to sell players this summer due to 777 Partners’ protracted takeover descending into chaos.
Unless another buyer is found quickly, Branthwaite’s future will no doubt come under the spotlight this summer.