James Tarkowski has praised the unity across the Everton squad and believes the same has been a key driving force behind the Blues’ impressive campaign so far.
Everton produced another steadfast performance at Turf Moor on Saturday to seal a 2-0 victory over Burnley, with first-half goals from Amadou Onana and Michael Keane setting them on their way to a fourth successive Premier League win with a clean sheet – a feat not previously achieved since a run of five such victories back in November 2002.
The Blues have already won 26 points in this campaign so far and would be level on points with eighth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion had it not been for the Premier League commission’s 10-point deduction.
Everton’s win did still see them leapfrog Nottingham Forest into 16th place in the table, and reflecting on another fine evening of work from Sean Dyche’s men, Tarkowski was keen to heap praise on the key leaders within the squad who have helped to create a unified and determined dressing room environment.
“We’ve had a tough couple of seasons,” the defender acknowledged. “Last season for me personally, but there’s a real unified group here. We have a great leader in Seamus Coleman who really marshalls the dressing room. I’m supporting him from the side. He’s a terrific leader, I’ve never seen anyone quite like him.
“But we have other big characters in there as well; Jordan Pickford, Irdissa Gana Gueye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, there are loads to mention. It’s a real group game, it’s not just about the individuals. The win at Burnely showed that with the lads that came in playing so well.”
In Saturday’s win, Tarkowski produced another fine individual display, dominating defensively and adding to his imposing defensive stats which include 34 combined blocks and 29 interceptions – both Premier League bests within the Everton squad.
The robust centre-back has also played 90 minutes in all but one of Everton’s 55 Premier League matches since arriving at the Club last summer.
Tarkowski believes he’s now at an age where he boasts the right blend of skill and experience, and stated his target is to keep building and maintaining his consistent Everton form for as long as he can.
“I am at the age where most people in my position probably think they’re getting to their peak,” he said. “I’ve learnt all my lessons and mistakes through the years and I’m the age now where I understand the game, especially under this manager – because I have worked with him for so long.
“I want to continue that, stay consistent for as long as I can and keep up the work that I have been doing.”
