James Tarkowski: Everton's Veteran Leader in Defense

Two years after departing Burnley on a free transfer following their relegation, James Tarkowski finds himself in danger of dropping down to the second tier with Everton. The Toffees currently sit two points above the relegation zone with a game in hand on Nottingham Forest and Luton Town -- the latter occupying the bottom three -- and they'll be counting on Tarkowski's defensive nous and leadership as they look to pull off yet another narrow escape from relegation.

Born and raised in Manchester, Tarkowski grew up supporting Manchester United and watching his idols David Beckham and Paul Scholes on the television. The grandson of a Polish immigrant who fled to England after World War II, Tarkowski began his footballing career at Oldham Athletic before joining Blackburn Rovers’s academy at 11 years of age, where he would remain for three years until being released from the club at his own request.

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Jarrad Branthwaite vs. Manchester United: -4/4 ground duels won -2 tackles -1/1 dribbles completed -1/2 aerial duels won -42/53 passes completed -1 clearance -1 foul won@tabuteauS on the Everton CB who's banging on the door for an England call-up: https://t.co/HYunNipq5upic.twitter.com/YdWAi1RNcJ— Breaking The Lines (@BTLvid) March 9, 2024