If Burnley fans were concerned James Tarkowski would allow himself to get distracted by the uncertainty surrounding his future at Turf Moor, it seems they needn’t have worried.
Because the defender who dominated Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and co at the Emirates on Sunday night wasn’t a man lacking in focus, ferocity or commitment to the cause.
It has been a month since Tarkowski told the Telegraph he had no plans to extend a contract that expires in 2022, with his long-term future seemingly lying far away from East Lancashire.
But, barring a rare off-day in that 5-0 thumping at Manchester City, arguably the Premier League’s most underrated defender has been as solid and sound as ever at the heart of Sean Dyche’s ever-battling back line.
Tarkowski completed a game-high eight clearances and won six aerial duels as Burnley won at the Emirates for the first time ever last night. But the statistics only tell you half the story. The numbers alone fail to do justice to a natural-born leader who, on current form at least, is perhaps the most in-form English centre-back in the game.
Why Gareth Southgate continues to overlook a man who combines a never-say-die, body-on-the-line tenacity with the passing range of a seasoned midfielder is a mystery up there with the Roswell crash.
The Daily Star reports West Ham United, having failed with three bids for Tarkowski during the summer, will come calling once again in the January transfer window.
And Burnley may be forced to cash in with their prized asset angling for a new adventure away from Turf Moor.
In an era where a player like Harry Maguire sets you back £80 million, £40 million for Tarkowski feels like value for money.
Here’s what some fans had to say on Twitter about Tarkowski’s performance:
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