As Everton continue their climb back to stability under David Moyes, one player has emerged as a cornerstone of the team’s progress—James Tarkowski. We spoke to Will Rooney of LiverpoolWorld to reflect on Tarkowski’s outstanding season and how he fits into Moyes’ long-term vision as Everton aim for smarter recruitment and greater ambition in the transfer market.
00:00As Everton continue their climb back to stability under David Moyes, one player has emerged as a cornerstone of the team's progress, James Tarkovsky.
00:13In a demanding season, the experienced defender has been ever-present, offering leadership, composure and resilience at the heart of the back line.
00:23Tarkovsky's influence has gone beyond performances. He's set standards in both mentality and consistency.
00:30Becoming a key figure in Moyes' structure, hard-working side.
00:34His presence has been vital in turning Everton into a more resolute and competitive outfit.
00:39We spoke to Will Rooney of Liverpool World to reflect on Tarkovsky's outstanding season and how he fits into Moyes' long-term vision as Everton aim for smarter recruitment and greater ambition in the transfer market.
00:54Will, let's just look at James Tarkovsky now. Just before we touch on his injury situation, his dedication, his commitment to Everton.
01:06He's played pretty much every single game in the last few Premier League seasons. What sort of impact has he had? What sort of growth has he had as well?
01:14I mean, it seems he's always a minimum of seven out of ten every week. He's taken this Everton defence and he's gone through a lot with them.
01:22He's been that really rock at the back. He's a stalwart there all the time for Everton. What sort of impact has he had on Everton's side?
01:31Well, since he arrives, he's played every Premier League game. 111 successive appearances.
01:39And unfortunately, it looks like he's not going to hit that record of 114 that Wayne Bridge holds.
01:46For someone coming in on a free transfer, he's clever and made some real poor purchases, poor recruitment decisions in recent years.
01:58But there were some who made, you know, he's on decent wages because there was no transfer fee involved.
02:06And I think for what Everton have got out of it, he's definitely been more than worth that.
02:11He's been a rock at the back the first season under Lampard and then Churn tight.
02:18He was excellent last season. He was right up there.
02:21At the start of this season, he was carrying, I think, a bit of a back issue and maybe wasn't quite himself.
02:27But in recent weeks, he has been himself.
02:30You know, he's handed the vice-captaincy.
02:33Pretty much been captain all season with Seamus Coleman, not because of his injury issues.
02:39He has been a leader, someone who every manager he plays under can rely on.
02:46He's got a year left on his deal.
02:48Well, maybe Everton, I think he's 32 going on 33, maybe Everton start looking under a succession plan for him,
02:55which is no disrespect to him whatsoever because I still think he's got a good few years left at the top.
03:01But, yeah, I think in terms of incomings, he's been up there in recent season.
03:09He has proven excellent value.
03:11He's still got a lot to give at Everton.
03:14You know, his leadership, he's a real out-and-out defender and he carries a threat in the opposition's box as well.
03:21It's going to be, we've discussed a few times, it's going to be an interesting summary.
03:24It's going to be interesting in terms of what funds are going to be available.
03:28Well, now, we know that Everton have complied with PSR for the latest accounts, so they don't have to worry about that.
03:36But they still have to be careful.
03:38They can't go out and obviously spend money like they have done in the past.
03:43So, David Moyes is going to have to try and prioritise.
03:47He's going to maybe have to come to a couple of compromises as well when it comes to his recruitment.
03:51As we say, 11, I think it's 13, beg your pardon, I was a contract now, the current squad, 12 or 13.
04:00But, regardless, it's a lot of players, isn't it?
04:04And you're going to have to try and keep some of those.
04:07You're going to have to, without a doubt, try and keep some of those.
04:10Do you try and tie down just a guy on a guy?
04:13I think everyone would say yes, you have to because he's been so important.
04:16And Abdullahi Dekore, I know some supporters would like Everton to move on, but could you get two players in who are on his current wages?
04:25Or do you try and offer him a longer term deal for more security?
04:30But it might not be as much as Lucas or him financially, and you can go and stretch your budget a little bit more.
04:39So, there's all these different things for David Moyes and his recruiting staff to consider.
