What The Papers Say - 1 May

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

Former Everton striker Gary Lineker has praised the defensive efforts of James Tarkowski this season.

The Blues centre-back helped the Toffees pick up three clean sheets on the bounce to take the total to 12 so far in the Premier League this season. That tally is second only to current league leaders, Arsenal (16), this term.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker applauded the 31-year-old's performances and believes Tarkowski's role in the Everton defence is similar to that of John Terry during his time with Chelsea.

"I am not comparing him because John Terry is one of the greats, but you know in that kind of position, he is one of those players like a magnet to where the ball goes defensively, block, near-post stuff and clearing it, getting headers in, a little bit in the way that John Terry did," he said.

"Obviously, John Terry was an elite footballer and brilliant on the ball as well and overall obviously a better central defender, but he is always in the right place at the right time, positionally really really good, Tarkowski."

Unfortunately, Tarkowski's defensive teammate Vitalii Mykolenko will miss the remainder of the season.

The Ukraine international was missing for the Blues' win over Brentford after picking up an ankle injury in the Merseyside derby.

After it was confirmed the full-back will not require surgery to repair the problem, the Ukrainian hopes a rehab process to be fit for the European Championships this summer.

Writing on his Instagram page and quoted in the Liverpool ECHO, Mykolenko said: "Firstly I want to say to everyone thank you very much for the words of support, I read everything and see. I do not need surgery and now my goal is to recover as soon as possible and I hope to see you at the Euros.

"For Evertonians, you have been amazing this season, particularly in derby. That's why I stood up after twist and played as much as I could. See you next season Toffees."