Everton’s James Tarkowski is currently doing something that Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk cannot match

Everton will be looking to make it three wins from their last three in the Premier League this weekend against Aston Villa.

It has been an impressive start to the season for David Moyes’ side, who currently occupy fifth spot in the table.

Following the opening day defeat against Leeds United, Everton have really stepped things up in the Premier League.

This comes despite some ongoing injury issues, which has seen Jarrad Branthwaite miss some games through a hamstring problem.

However, James Tarkowski has remained key in the starting XI playing alongside Michael Keane at the back.

And there is something which Tarkowski is currently doing that even Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk cannot compete with.

James Tarkowski playing for Everton.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Everton’s James Tarkowski outperforming Virgil van Dijk
As well as Jordan Pickford, Everton are preparing contract talks with Tarkowski to reward him with a potential new deal.

The defender has been a real constant in the Everton backline and he is currently outperforming some of the Premier League’s best in one department.

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According to Squawka, no other player has won more aerial duels since the start of the 2022/24 Premier League campaign than Tarkowski.

The Everton centre-back is leading the way with a staggering 381 headers won over the last three years.

Liverpool’s Van Dijk comes in at number two, sitting seven behind the Everton defender on 374 aerial duels won.

Behind them is Newcastle United’s Dan Burn and then West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin sitting in fifth spot.

Tarkowski returned from injury earlier in the summer having missed the backend of last season through suffering an uncharacteristic issue.

It was a timely return given Branthwaite has suffered a number of issues which has kept him out of the opening Premier League games.

Tarkowski has become hugely underrated in the Premier League
Since making the move to Merseyside, Tarkowski has played a huge role in keeping Everton in the Premier League.

Having seen so many players leave this summer as free agents, Everton will surely be keen to wrap up any potential new deals as quickly as possible this season.

Considering he does not get called up to the England squad, some may feel the 32-year-old has become extremely underrated in the Premier League.

He has played a key role in helping the Blues avoid relegation and his aerial presence is greater than any other player in the league.

Everton have themselves a defensive rock in Tarkowski.