Stephen Warnock has praised Everton for signing Conor Coady by stating that he will bring ‘leadership’ to the club and added that fans will be ‘surprised’ by James Tarkowski, as he told the Football Show on Sky Sports.
Everton have brought in the two English defenders this summer to boost Frank Lampard’s backline – Tarkowski arrives on a free from Burnley, whilst Coady has been loaned from Wolves.
They are two top purchases from the Toffees, whose financial situation is pretty well-documented, so they have done pretty well to get such deals over the line.
Last season was an utter mess for the club, whilst there have been some positive signs under Lampard, more is still needed out on the pitch.
Players like Coady and Tarkowski will provide that calmness on the field, but most importantly, they will make others better and put less pressure on their shoulders.
All in all, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock, who was on the other side of Merseyside when Coady was coming through, shared his thoughts on his arrival and Tarkowski’s move.
“He was a youngster coming through when I was there,” said Warnock. “I know Conor quite well. What Conor will bring to Everton is leadership and he will bring a very professional attitude.
“You only have to listen to him in interviews and the way he conducts himself when he is away with England. You never hear a bad word said about Conor. I think he’s a very good addition to Everton.
“Frank Lampard highlighted him for those reasons. He needs to bring more communication across the backline.
“I think Tarkowski was outstanding at the weekend. I think the Everton fans will be surprised at Tarkowski. We often label Burnley of being a long-ball team. He’s anything but. He’s an outstanding footballer. When he is on the ball, he will look to play out from the back and step in. A really good addition.”
COADY AND TARKOWSKI TO START AGAINST ASTON VILLA?
Ben Godfrey is out for the long-term, whilst Yerry Mina also suffered an injury, all in all, the problems of last season have reared its ugly head after one game.
Previously, fans would have been worried about their forthcoming fixtures, but with Tarkowski and Coady through the doors, then all is well.
Aston Villa will be Everton’s next opponents after their opening day defeat to Chelsea – and the Goodison Park faithful might just see Coady and Tarkowski start at Villa Park.
Coady will have a full week of training under his belt and he will be hoping he can help his side to their first win of the season to get things going for Lampard.
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