In a recent interview with TalkSport, summer signing James Tarkowski has opened up on what it is like playing under a manager like Frank Lampard and how it has helped him develop as a player.
Frank Lampard joined Everton on the last day of the January transfer window last season after the sacking of former manager, Rafa Benitez, before interim manager, Duncan Ferguson would fill in for the blue’s match against Aston Villa at Goodison Park.
The England and Chelsea legend would bring in two players on deadline day, Dele Alli from Tottenham Hotspur and Donny Van De Beek on loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season. However, both of these transfers would fail to have much effect on the team, with Alli only making 11 appearances and Van De Beek only making 8 appearances in the whole second half of the season, further toughening the task at hand for Lampard and his staff.
Through a mix of team spirit and a little bit of help from the fans, Everton managed to get over the line, escaping relegation on the second to last day of the season after beating Crystal Palace.
A complete overhaul was what was expected in the summer for Lampard’s squad and that is what ensued.
James Tarkowski would become Everton’s first summer signing, moving to Merseyside on a free transfer after his contract at Burnley had expired. The Englishman would be subject to interest from the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham but instead chose to join Frank Lampard at Everton.
So far his career at Everton has been a major success, making the centre-back position his own alongside Conor Coady, creating one of the best defensive partnerships in the Premier League.
In a recent interview, James Tarkowski explained what is was like working for Frank Lampard and how it has affected his career [via TalkSport]:
“It’s been incredible so far, the coaching is unbelievable. I have learnt so much in the last 6 months and I feel like I’m still improving under him.”
Tarkowski spent 6 seasons at Burnley under manager, Sean Dyche who was renowned for his defensive style of play. When asked what a move to Everton had done for his career, he answered:
“It’s been like a breath of fresh air since I went there. I’m learning new things every day.”
🎙️| James Tarkowski on Lampard : “It’s been incredible so far, the coaching is unbelievable. I have learnt so much in the last 6 months and I feel like I’m still improving under him. It’s been like a breath of fresh air since I went there. I’m learning new things every day.” pic.twitter.com/qpXfCdLyVp
— Everton Extra (@Everton_Extra) October 30, 2022