Comparing next-gen English defensive walls – Stats show that Everton must carry on with £30m plans

According to a report by the Chronicle Live, Everton are interested in a sensational summer swoop for Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles and are ready to bid £30m.

Over the course of the previous season, Lascelles was one of the most promising centre-backs in the Premier League, and he played a pivotal role for the Magpies as they finished 10th in the table despite their limited resources. The 24-year-old was a solid figure in Newcastle’s backline and could truly help Everton’s defence.

Besides Lascelles, there was another centre-back who did quite well for his respective club – Burnley’s James Tarkowski. The Englishman played a key role in helping the Clarets secure a stunning 7th-place finish and he could also prove to be a great option for the Toffees.

In fact, Lascelles and Tarkowski have arguably been one of the finest centre-backs in the Premier League in recent times. Everton might be plotting a move for Lascelles but could Tarkowski possibly be a better option for the Merseysiders?

Jamaal Lascelles vs James Tarkowski stats

Lascelles appeared 35 times across all competitions for Newcastle last term, during which he also managed to score 3 goals. While his pass success rate stands at a respectable 77%, it goes without saying that he is extremely strong in the air.

He won an average of 3.9 aerial duels per game. When it comes to true defensive work, Lascelles averaged 0.9 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and an astonishing 7 clearances per game. In addition to that, the player had an average of 0.7 blocks per match.

On the other hand, Tarkowski made 33 appearances in all competitions for Burnley last season. Although he failed to score goals or provide assists, his defensive work was top-notch.

His pass success rate stands at 73.7% but the player won a whopping 4.7 aerial duels per game. In addition to that, he averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 7.1 clearances per game. As far as blocks are concerned, Tarkowski recorded an average of 1.4 per game.

Verdict

From what we have seen so far, Lascelles and Tarkowski are more or less on par with the kind of contributions they make but the latter has outperformed the former in several aspects defensively.

However, that does not undermine Lascelles’ work for Newcastle and he would undoubtedly be a great signing for whichever club he chooses to join.

But in Everton’s quest to get to the next level and challenge for a spot in the top-four, a player like Tarkowski might be a better choice.