Everton signed Conor Coady and James Tarkowski in the summer after having a slight injury crisis in the centre-back position, with the likes of Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate all picking up long-term injuries early on in the season. Blues manager, Frank Lampard couldn’t speak highly enough of the pair after their 3-0 win over Crystal Palace this weekend.
Since signing during the summer window, Tarkowski and Coady have played in a defensive partnership in 10 of the toffee’s 12 opening Premier League fixtures, in which they have only conceded 9 goals, making them statistically one of the best defensive partnerships in the league.
Lampard seemed very intent at the beginning of the transfer window about bringing “leaders” to the squad and with Conor Coady joining being captain of Wolves and Tarkowski joining being captain of Burnley on numerous occasions, it seems as if he has done just that.
In his post-match interview, Lampard was asked about the effect that Coady and Tarkowski have had since joining the squad [via Everton – Twitter]:
“They have both been brilliant. They have absolutely revolutionised the dressing room”
"It was a great performance. Defensively we were brilliant. We really took the game by the scruff of the neck early on, so I am really happy."
— Everton (@Everton) October 22, 2022
Frank assesses today's win: pic.twitter.com/L4aztP6v6A
Their effect on the squad since joining has obviously been immense, but the chemistry that they have with each other is also equally extraordinary, considering they had never played with each other prior to this season.
This interview with the pair on BBC Sport really highlights this, click the link and have a look, it’s a cracking watch!
Football Focus: Everton’s Conor Coady & James Tarkowski tackle Honesty Cards – BBC Sport
Although Everton signed Tarkowski on a permanent deal when his contract expired, the blue’s only signed Conor Coady from Wolves on an initial loan deal, but do have the option to buy the Englishman permanently for a reported £4.5 million.
Would activating this option to buy be a good idea?
Should Conor Coady be signed on a permanent?Yes
No
|