2025/26 James Tarkowski

[GoldenToffee]

Personally think he's been garbage this season and was again poor yesterday. One of my main gripes with him though is his persistent choosing to play negative football. He's not necessarily pumping it forwards aimlessly, but he almost always refuses a forwards pass.

Once Branthwaite is back I'd honestly like to see him alongside Keane for a while. Tarkowski has not earned his position this season. Even O'Brien should be ahead of him, but given we have no Premier League quality right backs, he won't be considered in his natural position, which is a shame.

 

[NilSatisOptimum]

Nearing 33 looks to be floundering at the pace of the game, at fault for their goal too. Then again as Keane as partner pace will always be an issue. Looked better once O'Brian was along side.

 

[heatmeiser]

He’s come back from injury, he’s not as good as he was last season, there’s reasons for that.

Tarky looked a lot better last season because he had Jarad next to him. Playing further up the pitch only exposes Tarky, but when Jarad plays they organise very well together.

Tarky will look better when he has Jarad next to him.

Saying that, he is everything you need in a team environment, any one who played a team based competitive sport will understand.

He will put himself on the line every time, his greatest strength is his character you want in the side. You cannot buy his leadership and character. Very few have it.

He is our leader. He’s the best on pitch leader we’ve had in decades for me.

Spot on

And as well as Keane has played this season, he's the polar opposite - character wise - to Tarkowski. Meek, quiet and his head drops when things go wrong.

I'm confident Tarks will look a different player when Branthwaite returns, if not then they might have to consider integrating O'Brien in sooner than expected

 

[MikeH72]

Personally I think he’s just still the bottom half centre back he’s been throughout his career.

 

[Eggs]

…..one terrific clearance in the first half, not sure how he managed to clear the ball out sliding towards goal as he did.

Keane has certainly outshone him this season but don’t underestimate the ‘leadership’ factor and how important his presence might be on the pitch.

 

[davek]

I think some of his problems stems from the fact that when Lindstrom was in the team last season he helped see O'Brien through games when the RB went forward and that meant Tarkowski was pulled less out of position. O'Brien's forays up front now are being targeted more by opponents - because Ndiaye clocks off - and it asks of Tarkowski a lot more - especially when Branthwaite the club's best CD who has a good understanding with Tarkowski isn't beside him willing and able to mop up if he doesn't deal with it.

That said, even when we're set and in possession he's making wrong decisions. And his threat in the opposition box has disappeared. He also looks extremely ill at ease...I miss that snide smile he usually carried with him onto the pitch.

He's struggling, there's no question about it.

 

[davek]

Just to add: the way he meekly took that dig in the ribs off Uche yesterday was alarming.

Something not right there.

 

[Paulie]

Does he wear steel toe caps? His passing is abysmal.

 

[LinekersLegs]

 

[irishtony1878]

We would have been relegated a couple of times in the last few seasons without him, short memories some of you.
He's not setting the world on fire, but he's the main man trying to organise O"Brien and Mykelenko who have both been woeful.
It's no wonder he's struggling.

 

[blueboy72]

We would have been relegated a couple of times in the last few seasons without him, short memories some of you.
He's not setting the world on fire, but he's the main man trying to organise O"Brien and Mykelenko who have both been woeful.
It's no wonder he's struggling.

And here’s me, thinking doucoure had kept us up the last few seasons

 

[Blast_of_Cannock]

Can't take that seriously. Keane & O'Brien (at CB) were both better than Tarks. The ones making this poll mustn't watch the games.

 

[chopper6]

We would have been relegated a couple of times in the last few seasons without him, short memories some of you.
He's not setting the world on fire, but he's the main man trying to organise O"Brien and Mykelenko who have both been woeful.
It's no wonder he's struggling.

I don’t think any of us have forgotten what he’s done for us at all.

It’s absolutely OK to make observations about his current form, despite last few seasons.

He’s a big boy, and players are allowed to be praised when doing well, and criticised when they aren’t.

That’s football!

 

[Hinchcliffe's Corner]

We would have been relegated a couple of times in the last few seasons without him, short memories some of you.
He's not setting the world on fire, but he's the main man trying to organise O"Brien and Mykelenko who have both been woeful.
It's no wonder he's struggling.

I think the fact most of us are posting that we are concerned about him shows how much we value him. I hope he gets back in to form.

 

[Benicetoourboys]

I think the fact most of us are posting that we are concerned about him shows how much we value him. I hope he gets back in to form.

He's my favourite.