Gary Lineker believes Everton have got their own version of John Terry
Everton's breakout star of the season? Unquestionably Jarrad Branthwaite. So good has the 21-year-old been in his first full campaign as a regular starter for the Blues that it would come as no surprise if he made Gareth Southgate's England squad for this summer's European Championship in Germany.
Nor would it come as a surprise if Everton had clubs knocking down their door for Branthwaite - who in March won his first full England call-up - once the transfer window opens next month.
But equally impressive as the former Carlisle United youngster has been his centre-back partner James Tarkowski. With the early years of Farhad Moshiri's ruinous reign featuring a multitude of ill-fated forays into the transfer market, the Blues have had to cut their cloth accordingly in more recent times.
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And the free transfer signing of Tarkowski, in the summer of 2022, must go down as one of the club's best bits of business during Moshiri's ownership of the club. The 31-year-old has been a superb acquisition for Everton and his partnership this season with Branthwaite and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been a major factor in the club securing its survival on the field in the Premier League.
Only the top three teams in the top flight have a better defensive record than the Blues, who have recorded the second most clean sheets (12) behind leaders Arsenal (16).
And Tarkowski's form has been recognised by former Everton hero Gary Lineker, who sees similarities between the ex-Burnley man and Chelsea legend John Terry.
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