Two Defenders Who Burnley Can Target As Tarkowski’s Replacement
Having stayed up on 40 points last season with a 16th place finish, Burnley have punched above their weight this season and are now preparing for the possibility of Europa League next term.
Sean Dyche has done an incredible job with the Clarets and the results have shown up this season. He has a very good squad at his disposal but if they make it to the Europa League, Dyche would need to keep hold of his star players and add a couple of fresh faces to his team.
One of Burnley’s star performers this season has been James Tarkowski. The 28-year-old has been a rock at the back for the Clarets this campaign.
Having worked so hard to understand Dyche’s tactics, Tarkowski stepped up this season following the departure of Michael Keane last summer to Everton. He has been a mainstay for the Clarets, playing a pivotal role in Burnley’s rise to 7th place in the Premier League.
Such has been the 25-year-old’s impact that England manager Gareth Southgate handed him the player’s first call-up to the national side, in March.
Dyche would be hoping to keep Tarkowski at Turf Moor but should he decide to leave at the end of the season, here are two centre-halves Burnley must target in the summer.
Chancel Mbemba (Newcastle)
Chancel Mbemba appears to be a forgotten star at Newcastle, having not featured in the Premier League so far in 2018.
The 23-year-old has slipped down the pecking order behind Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark. The Magpies have done well lately and Mbemba has been a victim of Newcastle’s depth in the defensive department as manager Rafael Benitez has not tinkered much with his squad.
Having helped Newcastle win the Championship last term, Mbemba is an experienced and solid centre-back. The Congolese enjoyed an impressive season with the Magpies last term and is also capable of playing on the right-hand side of the defence.
He may not have been able to get into the first-team in 2018 but there is no doubt that he is a talented defender. He has proven himself in the Premier League.
Should Tarkowski leave at the end of the season, Dyche must try securing the services of Mbemba.
Liam Moore (Reading)
Liam Moore has been really good for Reading in the Championship this term. He has put in determined, strong and powerful performances in defence.
He has proved to be one of Reading’s best signings in recent years and their defence is often solid when the centre-back plays.
Moore has experience playing as a right-back and also as a central defender. He is currently enjoying a fine season in the Championship.
Someone who is comfortable on the ball, Burnley should definitely take a look at Moore. There is no doubt that the 25-year-old would bring some physicality, experience and solidity to the Clarets backline.
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