Everton captain James Tarkowski has made a bold admission following his side’s intense clash with Manchester United — revealing that one United player delivered a performance unlike anything he has faced before.
Tarkowski, known for his physical strength and composure at the back, did not hold back in his post-match comments.
“I have marked Haaland, Ekitike and even Gyokeres before,” he said. “But to be honest, I have never for once in my career played against such a dangerously aggressive player like him before. He really shocked me tonight.”
The Everton skipper’s comments immediately sparked debate among fans, especially given the calibre of strikers he referenced — including Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland, rising French forward Hugo Ekitike, and Sporting CP’s powerful striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Yet despite facing those elite attackers, Tarkowski admitted that United’s star forward brought a different kind of intensity.
Throughout the 90 minutes, the United attacker was relentless. He pressed defenders high up the pitch, chased seemingly lost causes, and battled physically in every aerial duel. Tarkowski, a defender who thrives on physical contests, found himself drawn into a war of attrition he did not expect.
From the opening whistle, the United forward set the tone. His aggressive pressing forced hurried clearances, while his movement inside the box kept Everton’s backline constantly adjusting. Tarkowski was forced to stay tight, but even that did not prevent the United star from creating dangerous moments.
On multiple occasions, he spun away from challenges with surprising pace. His direct runs at the heart of Everton’s defense caused confusion, dragging markers out of position and opening space for teammates.
Tarkowski, reflecting on the experience, highlighted the mental strain as much as the physical battle.
“It’s not just about strength,” he reportedly added. “He doesn’t give you a second to breathe. He’s in your face, he’s chasing, he’s pushing, he’s aggressive in every movement.”
The Goodison Park crowd witnessed a fiery contest between two determined competitors. While Tarkowski delivered several crucial blocks and interceptions, the United forward’s energy never dropped. Even late into the game, he was still sprinting, still pressing, still demanding the ball.
Such praise from an experienced Premier League defender speaks volumes. Tarkowski has built his reputation by neutralizing
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