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.”
