{"id":263538,"first_name":"James Alan","last_name":"Tarkowski","short_name":"J. Tarkowski","common_name":"James Tarkowski","place_of_birth":"Moston","gender":"male","height":185,"weight":81,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T06:53:26.708Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:06:37.310Z","locale":"en","age":32,"stb_id":"james-tarkowski","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"James Tarkowski","top_position":null,"introduction":"James Alan Tarkowski is a distinguished English professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back for Premier League club Everton. With a career spanning several clubs, Tarkowski has made significant contributions to each team, particularly noted for his defensive prowess. He has also represented England at the international level, marking his presence with his national team debut in March 2018.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nJames Alan Tarkowski was born on 19 November 1992, in Manchester and was raised in the New Moston area. His educational journey included attending New Moston Primary School and Failsworth High School, which he left in 2009. Notably, Tarkowski's heritage includes a Polish connection through his grandfather. His early admiration for football was evident, as a fan of Manchester United, he looked up to football legends David Beckham and Paul Scholes.\n\n## Youth Career\nTarkowski's first steps into professional football began with Blackburn Rovers' youth system, but he was released at the age of 14. Subsequently, he transitioned to senior football with Maine Road in the North West Counties League. His formal professional journey commenced when he joined Oldham Athletic on a two-year scholarship in May 2009, marking the beginning of a promising career in football.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Oldham Athletic\nJames Tarkowski initiated his professional journey with Oldham Athletic, where he joined the first team in January 2011. His official debut came as a substitute in a victory against Brentford. Over the seasons, Tarkowski became integral to the team, culminating in earning a two-year professional contract in May 2011. The highlight of his tenure was a pivotal goal in a win against Carlisle United in April 2012. During the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons, he solidified his role, earning accolades such as Oldham's Player of the Month in August 2013. Before leaving for Brentford, Tarkowski made 89 appearances and scored six goals for the Latics.\n\n### Brentford\nTarkowski transferred to Brentford in January 2014, enhancing their defensive lineup. His debut took place in March 2014, and he was soon scoring goals, contributing to Brentford's promotion to the Championship. Despite challenges, including disciplinary actions and injury setbacks, Tarkowski made 74 appearances, scoring four goals, notably participating in the play-offs semi-finals against Middlesbrough.\n\n### Burnley\nIn February 2016, Tarkowski signed with Burnley, a move that marked a crucial point in his career. Initially a substitute, he emerged as a key defender following his first Premier League start in April 2017. His performances were crucial in securing Burnley's position in the Premier League. Particularly after Michael Keane's departure, Tarkowski became a regular fixture in Burnley's defense during the 2017–18 season.\n\n### Everton\nOn 2 July 2022, Tarkowski joined Everton on a free transfer, thereby furthering his Premier League career. He made his debut against Chelsea in August 2022. Notably, he scored against Arsenal, leading Everton to a victory. Throughout the 2022–23 season, he was the only outfield player to appear in every Premier League minute, showcasing his durability and consistency.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Senior National Team\nTarkowski made his England debut on 27 March 2018, in a friendly match against Italy at Wembley Stadium. Although he was named on the standby list for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he opted out due to a hernia operation. Despite limited appearances, his selection was a testament to his defensive capabilities and national potential.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nTarkowski is renowned for his role as a centre-back, where he exhibits strong defensive attributes. His key technical skills include adept heading ability, crucial for both defensive clearances and offensive set-pieces. Standing out for his physicality, he's known for winning aerial duels, with unrivaled cleanances and blocks, underscoring his tactical acumen.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nTarkowski's notable figures include a comprehensive number of appearances across his club tenures, with Everton standing out where he played every minute of the 2022–23 season. Defensively, he led in blocks and aerial duels, reflecting his reliability.\n\n## Records\nTarkowski set the Premier League record for making over 50 blocks in three consecutive seasons and topped the league in aerial duels won during the 2023–24 season.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Achieved a second-place promotion with Brentford during the 2013–14 Football League One season.\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Named Oldham Athletic's Player of the Month in August 2013.\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nWhile specific individual awards during his Premier League tenure are not listed, Tarkowski's consistent selection and defensive contributions have earned him acknowledgment in his clubs and within the national team framework.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nJames Tarkowski has established himself as a reliable and commanding centre-back in the English football leagues. His journey from Oldham to becoming a pivotal figure for clubs like Burnley and Everton highlights his significant impact on the teams he has played for.\n\n## Off the Field\nSpecific details regarding Tarkowski's activities beyond football are not mentioned.\n\n## Personal Life\nJames Tarkowski maintains a connection to his Polish heritage through family, yet remains a figure whose primary focus has been his professional career in football.","stb_internal_id":"01930566-3ac3-742d-90f6-4e077d1edb17","overrides":null,"type_code":"defender","position_type_code":"defender","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-back","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

James Alan Tarkowski is a distinguished English professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back for Premier League club Everton. With a career spanning several clubs, Tarkowski has made significant contributions to each team, particularly noted for his defensive prowess. He has also represented England at the international level, marking his presence with his national team debut in March 2018.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

James Alan Tarkowski was born on 19 November 1992, in Manchester and was raised in the New Moston area. His educational journey included attending New Moston Primary School and Failsworth High School, which he left in 2009. Notably, Tarkowski's heritage includes a Polish connection through his grandfather. His early admiration for football was evident, as a fan of Manchester United, he looked up to football legends David Beckham and Paul Scholes.

Youth Career

Tarkowski's first steps into professional football began with Blackburn Rovers' youth system, but he was released at the age of 14. Subsequently, he transitioned to senior football with Maine Road in the North West Counties League. His formal professional journey commenced when he joined Oldham Athletic on a two-year scholarship in May 2009, marking the beginning of a promising career in football.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Oldham Athletic

James Tarkowski initiated his professional journey with Oldham Athletic, where he joined the first team in January 2011. His official debut came as a substitute in a victory against Brentford. Over the seasons, Tarkowski became integral to the team, culminating in earning a two-year professional contract in May 2011. The highlight of his tenure was a pivotal goal in a win against Carlisle United in April 2012. During the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons, he solidified his role, earning accolades such as Oldham's Player of the Month in August 2013. Before leaving for Brentford, Tarkowski made 89 appearances and scored six goals for the Latics.

Brentford

Tarkowski transferred to Brentford in January 2014, enhancing their defensive lineup. His debut took place in March 2014, and he was soon scoring goals, contributing to Brentford's promotion to the Championship. Despite challenges, including disciplinary actions and injury setbacks, Tarkowski made 74 appearances, scoring four goals, notably participating in the play-offs semi-finals against Middlesbrough.

Burnley

In February 2016, Tarkowski signed with Burnley, a move that marked a crucial point in his career. Initially a substitute, he emerged as a key defender following his first Premier League start in April 2017. His performances were crucial in securing Burnley's position in the Premier League. Particularly after Michael Keane's departure, Tarkowski became a regular fixture in Burnley's defense during the 2017–18 season.

Everton

On 2 July 2022, Tarkowski joined Everton on a free transfer, thereby furthering his Premier League career. He made his debut against Chelsea in August 2022. Notably, he scored against Arsenal, leading Everton to a victory. Throughout the 2022–23 season, he was the only outfield player to appear in every Premier League minute, showcasing his durability and consistency.

National Team Career

Senior National Team

Tarkowski made his England debut on 27 March 2018, in a friendly match against Italy at Wembley Stadium. Although he was named on the standby list for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he opted out due to a hernia operation. Despite limited appearances, his selection was a testament to his defensive capabilities and national potential.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Tarkowski is renowned for his role as a centre-back, where he exhibits strong defensive attributes. His key technical skills include adept heading ability, crucial for both defensive clearances and offensive set-pieces. Standing out for his physicality, he's known for winning aerial duels, with unrivaled cleanances and blocks, underscoring his tactical acumen.

Performance Statistics

Tarkowski's notable figures include a comprehensive number of appearances across his club tenures, with Everton standing out where he played every minute of the 2022–23 season. Defensively, he led in blocks and aerial duels, reflecting his reliability.

Records

Tarkowski set the Premier League record for making over 50 blocks in three consecutive seasons and topped the league in aerial duels won during the 2023–24 season.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Achieved a second-place promotion with Brentford during the 2013–14 Football League One season.

Individual Achievements

Named Oldham Athletic's Player of the Month in August 2013.

Awards and Recognition

While specific individual awards during his Premier League tenure are not listed, Tarkowski's consistent selection and defensive contributions have earned him acknowledgment in his clubs and within the national team framework.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

James Tarkowski has established himself as a reliable and commanding centre-back in the English football leagues. His journey from Oldham to becoming a pivotal figure for clubs like Burnley and Everton highlights his significant impact on the teams he has played for.

Off the Field

Specific details regarding Tarkowski's activities beyond football are not mentioned.

Personal Life

James Tarkowski maintains a connection to his Polish heritage through family, yet remains a figure whose primary focus has been his professional career in football.

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James Tarkowski: Career