Everton defender James Tarkowski has made it into Alan Shearer’s latest Premier League Team of the Week.
The Toffees ace shone as Sean Dyche’s Blues triumphed over Brentford at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Dwight McNeil’s early goal proved the difference between the two sides in the 3pm kickoff.
Although Everton were on top in the first half, they had to be more defensively alert after the break.
Tarkowski grew into the game and defended resolutely as the visitors pushed for an equaliser.
He also played a part in the build-up to the disallowed Demarai Gray goal.
Tarkowski’s efforts saw him make Shearer’s selection, the only Everton player to make the cut.
Shearer said the £90,000-a-week (Salarysport) Toffees ace did something not many defenders can say they’ve done.
Namely, putting in a great display against the outstanding Ivan Toney.
“He dealt with Ivan Toney very well – not many defenders can say that – to help Everton to a vital 1-0 win,” he wrote on the PL website.
Stepping up
Everton really struck gold in signing Tarkowski.
Not only has he been inspirational for the Toffees, but he didn’t even cost them a transfer fee.
Indeed, Tarkowski’s signing was likely one of the best thing Frank Lampard did at Everton.
Tarkowski is playing well, showing great leadership, and even contributes at the other end as a set-piece threat.
He was one of several Everton players who did well against a dangerous Brentford outfit.
Reuniting him with Sean Dyche, his former boss at Burnley, also seems to be reaping dividends.
Now, Everton are out of the bottom three, and with a little consistency, could build up a nice cushion.
Up next for the Toffees is a trip to Chelsea in a 5:30pm kickoff on Saturday.
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