Everton veteran Seamus Coleman has explained why the signing of James Tarkowski was so important to the club.

Tarkowski arrived in the summer from Burnley on a free transfer, along with Wolves' Conor Coady.

Coleman, a club legend, believes that such a signing shows that manager Frank Lampard is properly addressing the issues within the squad.

“It feels like a different dressing room this season. We've got a great group," he told the club's matchday programme.

“James is a big part of that. He's been unbelievable since he came in. He's a great player and he's a great character, too.

“It's hard to mention James without mentioning Conor Coady in the same breath. Again, he's such an infectious person – he's so full of life, full of personality and enthusiasm all the time.

“We've learned a lot from last season and the manager is trying to build his own philosophy and his own standards around the building. Slowly but surely, I believe it will all come together."