Everton: 359-game duo have now 'made big difference' at Goodison Park | OneFootball

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·20 September 2022

Everton: 359-game duo have now 'made big difference' at Goodison Park

Article image:Everton: 359-game duo have now 'made big difference' at Goodison Park

Everton duo Conor Coady and James Tarkowski have ‘made a big difference’ and struck up a fruitful defensive partnership at Goodison Park, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Toffees spent more than £70million during the summer transfer window, but they did not have to pay a penny for either of the centre-halves.


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Article image:Everton: 359-game duo have now 'made big difference' at Goodison Park

What’s the latest news involving Coady and Tarkowski?

Coady joined Everton on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers last month and he has made an instant impact.

The 10-cap England international has made six appearances since heading back to Merseyside, having been brought up in Liverpool, and played every minute of the Toffees’ last five Premier League clashes.

Everton boss Frank Lampard handed Coady the captain’s armband for his new employers’ 1-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday.

Tarkowski made the move to Goodison Park as a free agent in July, having left Burnley following the expiry of his Turf Moor contract.

The 29-year-old has been an integral member of Everton’s backline since his arrival, chalking up eight appearances.

What has Paul Brown said about the duo?

Brown had concerns over Coady’s capabilities after Lampard decided to revert to a four-man defence.

However, the journalist has been impressed with the loanee’s performances alongside Tarkowski and he believes their influence has improved the performances of those around them.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “Everton have gone to a back four recently and I was quite worried that would not suit Conor Coady.

“But his partnership with Tarkowski has really looked strong, very solid and very dependable.

“They are two experienced pros who communicate on the pitch and off it. I think they’ve made a big difference to Everton and the confidence that the players around them have.”

Why do Coady and Tarkowski deserve a lot of credit?

Coady and Tarkowski joined an Everton squad bereft of confidence after they finished just four points clear of the relegation zone last season.

But they have played a pivotal role in the Toffees conceding just six goals since the new campaign got underway, meaning Lampard’s side have the joint-second best defensive record in the top flight.

Coady, who has made 158 appearances over the course of his Premier League career, has been rewarded for his early season form.

The 29-year-old earned a call-up to the England squad for the Nations League clashes with Italy and Germany during the current international break.

Although Tarkowski was overlooked by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, his 201 top flight outings emphasise he was an astute signing by Everton.

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