Everton face the challenge of replacing the leadership of Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gueye, whose influence cannot be completely replaced immediately. James Tarkowski, who has worn the captain's armband most often during Coleman's recent injury struggles, will initially take on more responsibility.
Tarkowski highlights emerging voices
Speaking after the friendly win in Hamburg, the 33-year-old accepted he would have to step up but pointed to James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite as emerging leaders. Dewsbury-Hall, speaking at the team's hotel near the Black Forest, said the departure of Coleman and Gueye is significant.
“Losing someone like Seamus and Idrissa is massive for any football club. It's just true. So, it's about the lads now in the dressing room stepping up and trying, not to replace it because you can't replace someone like Seamus, but trying to help bring everyone together again,” he said.
Branthwaite eager for senior role
David Moyes handed the armband to Branthwaite for the game in Stuttgart, and the young centre-back said he is ready to take on more responsibility. “I think I am at a point in my career now, I think, for me, Jimmy [Garner], Kiernan, alongside Tarks, we need to step up and try and help. I think it's what I want to do, it will do me the world of good. We have lost two massive characters in the dressing room, so we need to fill that void and hopefully we can do that,” he said.
Christian Norgaard, who was captain at Brentford before his move to Arsenal, has spoken about the leadership role he intends to take at Everton. Hayden Hackney, who wore the armband at Middlesbrough last season, is another emerging leader Moyes can call upon.
Hackney ready to contribute
The 24-year-old, still settling into the Premier League after a career in the Championship, said: “I think it'll take time. There's obviously a lot of senior lads here. They make it easy for everyone and they set the standards as well. But obviously, as time goes, I can do that as well if needed.”
