Ashley Young has been speaking about James Tarkowski's influence at Everton behind the scenes, following their draw against Tottenham in the Premier League.
Tarkowski was named as Everton’s captain heading into the 2026/2027 campaign after Seamus Coleman departed at the end of his contract in the summer. The experienced defender has been a mainstay in the Everton defence for the majority of his time at the club, rarely missing a game through injury.
The former Burnley has started the season alongside Jarrad Branthwaite in defence, keeping two clean sheets in the Premier League.
Tarkowski also scored a vital equaliser as Everton secured a point away at Bournemouth in their second Premier League game of the campaign.
Despite that, Tarkowski has come under plenty of criticism this season and last, but David Moyes has remained loyal to the defender.
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Young on Tarkowski
Following Everton’s draw against Tottenham, retired full-back Young, speaking live on Sky Sports on Saturday evening, has praised his former team-mate, saying that he’s someone who knows the club inside and out.
“He’s a great player. He’s one of them who has got that confidence in himself. He is one of the elder statesmen now.
“He’s been at the club; he knows the club inside and out. He is the club captain now; he’s taken over from Seamus.”
Young played alongside Tarkowski during his time at Everton, and will know more than many how influential he can be. Given Young was an experienced, leader-type player during his time at Everton, it’s strong praise from the former Manchester United winger.
“Tarky there, he’s fantastic for the older players and the younger players. And do you know, even for the staff around the place.”
The influence of players behind the scenes is something fans often can’t fully grasp, for obvious reasons. That doesn’t always mean a player has to play week in, week out, which is why many have called for Tarkowski to be dropped at times over the last 12 months.
Should Tarkowski be dropped?
I do think that the ideal partnership for the long-term would be Jake O’Brien and Branthwaite, but I can see why Tarkowski remains for now. Without Idrissa Gueye or Coleman on the pitch, there are a lack of experienced players in the side, and Moyes clearly thinks Tarkowski is someone he can rely upon.
I don’t think Tarkowski has made too many crucial errors of late, but there are frustrations and limitations to his game.
Throughout the season, I would like to see the O’Brien and Branthwaite partnership tested for a spell, especially if we go through a tricky period in terms of our defensive solidity.
When discussing Tarkowski, I do think it is important to remember the things Young has mentioned. Those intangible traits that the average fan simply doesn't see.
Fans can't be blamed for only judging on what they see on the pitch, but it does perhaps offer a bit of an explanation as to why Moyes might see things a little differently.
