“Rather Spicy”: BBC Sport pundit hits out at Everton ace James Tarkowski in ‘dangerously heavy’ verdict

Garth Crooks has slammed Everton defender James Tarkowski for recent “dangerously heavy” tackles, including in the Toffees’ 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.

The English centre-back was part of Sean Dyche’s side that kept a clean sheet against Unai Emery’s Villa last Sunday (14 January) and the 31-year-old’s performance earned him a slot in Crooks’ Premier League team of the week.

However, the BBC Sport pundit took the opportunity to destroy the Everton defender for “flying into tackles” suggesting that he should be less committed and determined when entering challenges.

Writing in his BBC Sport Team of the Week (22 January) he said: “Everton were well up for last weekend’s match against Aston Villa – and no one more so than James Tarkowski.

“I don’t know what he had for his pre-match meal but it must have been rather spicy. The centre-back is a determined and committed defender but he has to be careful.

“There are too many occasions where I’ve seen him flying into tackles when his opponent is on the half-turn; Tarkowski takes advantage of the situation by making his challenge dangerously heavy.

“Such was the case with Moussa Diaby when he left the Villa striker in a heap on the floor and moments later he flattened defender Alex Moreno.

“He was booked for the challenge and quite rightly. It’s clear Tarkowski likes to mix it and there is nothing wrong with that provided he’s not trying to hurt people. We had enough of that in the 1970s and 80s.”

Nobody, especially pundits who have played the game, should be surprised by players being strong and resolute in this Everton side, after all, they are a Dyche team and play like one.

Why Crooks has decided to name Tarkowski in his team of the week, only to then take the opportunity to slam the Everton defender nobody will be sure, but the 31-year-old put in yet another brilliant defensive display against Villa at Goodison.

Tarkowski only committed one foul in the game and was actually fouled himself twice. On top of that, he won more duels than any other player on either side, so it is clear that his no-nonsense approach garners results.

The Everton centre-back is unlikely to change his approach just because of Crooks’ recent comments, especially considering he has been one of the Toffees’ most important players so far this season.