Burnley v Everton - Premier League - Turf Moor Burnley s James Tarkowski dejected during the Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley. EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xLeexSmithx 56946858
According to Burnley Express, James Tarkowski has been linked with a move to Everton. The Burnley man is close to the final 18 months of his contract and has refused any deal given by the club. Several clubs such as Leicester and West Ham bid for him but Burnley stood firm and did not sell him.
The 28-year-old English centre-back started his youth career at Blackburn Rovers in 1999 but moved to Oldham after 10 years, with a spell at Maine Road FC in between.
Promoted to the senior side in 2011, he went on to play 89 games for them before moving to Brentford in 2014. In the two seasons he spent there, he made 74 appearances, scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists (source – Transfermarkt).
Ever since he joined Burnley, he has been one of their best players. He has been rock-solid at the back, often providing the last line of defence. So far, he has made 152 appearances for the Clarets, scoring 5 and assisting 3. Tarkowski chose to represent England despite having the choice to play for Poland. He has two appearances for the Three Lions so far.
Everton surprised most with their midfield revamp at the start of the season, bringing in the likes of James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Even their forward line looks good this season, with Calvert-Lewin leading from the front. Yet, one can’t help but point to the fact that their defence looks more shambolic than anything.
For a club having European ambitions, it does not paint a good picture. They have spent a lot on their defence over the last few seasons and yet, their best defender is Mason Holgate. The likes of Yerry Mina and Michael Keane haven’t been upto the mark.
James Tarkowski has been a rock in the last couple of seasons as Burnley have built a reputation of being one of the most robust teams to break down in the league. How Carlo Ancelotti wishes he could say the same about Everton.
The no-nonsense defender may not be the most high-profile player but he is one who does his job to perfection. The Toffees need someone exactly like that. At 28, he is entering his peak years and that could benefit a team like Everton, who are leaking goals. They should try to prise him away at the earliest, which is in January.