‘When I was at Chelsea’: Lampard says he’s been ‘big fan’ of Everton 29-year-old for time

Follow us on Google Discover

Frank Lampard has stated that he has been a ‘big fan’ of Everton’s new boy, James Tarkowski, since he was ‘working at Chelsea’.

The Toffees signed the 29-year-old on a free-transfer this summer following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship, as Lampard claimed that he has a ‘really high level in everything’, as he told Everton TV.

On Sunday, Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 in a pre-season friendly in America, with Tarkowski earning his first minutes for his new side.

Last season, he was in a relegation battle with Burnley, and whilst Everton survived by the skin of their teeth, he will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself.

In order for things to change for Lampard, he needs his top performers at their best and the former midfielder certainly recognises that Tarkowski is one of them.

“I am a big fan of James,” said Lampard. “I have been since before being Everton manager. Looking from afar, when I was working at Chelsea.

“I thought he was a player of a really high level in everything and he hasn’t disappointed me since he has been in. His personality, leadership skills, strength and quality on the ball.

“For the way we want to play, sometimes we want to have a nice balance, where we can be more direct, but we can also play through lines. And he’s a defender that can do both sides of the game.

“In a good way, I am expecting big things from him.”

MORE SIGNINGS LIKE TARKOWSKI NEEDED

A free transfer, wealth of experience and previous England caps to his name, the Tarkowski deal was a top signing by Everton.

That hasn’t been said on too many occasions in the past because of the dreadful work that has been done in the market and left the club in a financial mess.

But after last season’s struggles and relegation fight, Lampard will be keen to steer the club away from that danger zone and push them towards the top half of the table.

If they are to do that, then more signings of Tarkowski’s ilk need to land on Everton’s doorstep, or else it will be another season of trouble for the club.