As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Everton boss Lampard delighted counting on Tarkowski: What he offers us...

Everton boss Frank Lampard is delighted counting on James Tarkowski.

Lampard has been pleased with the preseason form of the signing from Burnley.

After victory over Dynamo Kyiv, he said: "It was great [to see Tarkowski get an assist].

"Sometimes you have to make those passes. There has to be a balance to your play where you try to move the ball and there are times where you have to be ready to try play in behind the opposition. Tarky played a great ball and I thought it was a really, really smart finish from Dom to head it like that. It's a difficult skill and he executed it really well.

"It didn't surprise me, but it's great to see [Tarkowski's range of passing]. He's a really clean striker of the ball.

"I've known of him since he was at Brentford, when he was first on my radar as a player. I've admired him. I've admired the way he defends, the way he plays and I've seen it close-hand now - he's a big personality. And his range of passing from deep areas is important for us. You have to be good on the ball these days to help build - shorter passes, longer passes - and he's got both.

"His personality is also important, because you are as good as your dressing room at certain times.

"We saw a real spirit towards the end of last season but to now start again - it has to be there from the start of this season. You need leaders, you need players who can talk and influence others, be strong, be good in difficult moments - and he's certainly one of those."

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free