Updated 9 October 2026. James Tarkowski has started all five Gameweeks and has not blanked once.
That sounds unsustainable. The more interesting question is whether his points are coming from enough different routes to justify £6.2m.
How Tarkowski has returned
Official FPL lists:
- one goal;
- one assist;
- three clean sheets;
- six defensive-contribution points;
- seven bonus points.
That diversity matters.
A defender who needs a clean sheet every week is fragile. Tarkowski can still return after Everton concede because he has DefCon, set-piece threat and bonus potential.
Hull away in GW6
Everton travel to Hull.
That gives Tarkowski another fixture where clean-sheet potential, aerial threat and defensive contributions can all matter.
This is why he appears in the official Scout Selection.
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Is £6.2m too expensive?
The price is the main objection.
At £6.2m you can buy premium-team defenders, attacking full-backs or cheaper DefCon centre-backs and bank money.
The decision depends on what the saving does elsewhere.
If dropping Tarkowski to a £5.0m defender upgrades a weak midfielder into Schade or Groß, the cheaper structure may win.
If the rest of your squad is already strong, Tarkowski's points floor becomes more valuable.
Tarkowski versus Arsenal defence
Arsenal have the cleaner team-level defensive fixture against Leeds.
Tarkowski offers more diversified individual routes.
For a one-week Scout Pick, both are good. For a Wildcard, Arsenal may offer the stronger long-term clean-sheet environment while Tarkowski can still justify a place through DefCon.
Tarkowski versus Branthwaite
Branthwaite can offer a cheaper Everton route and also has strong defensive-contribution volume.
If budget is tight, compare the expected minutes and price difference rather than assuming the more expensive player is always better.
OneFPL verdict
£6.2m is expensive, but Tarkowski is not a fluke pick built on one goal.
His scoring routes are:
clean sheets + DefCon + set pieces + bonus.
That makes him one of the most complete defenders in FPL right now.
FAQ
Has Tarkowski blanked this season?
No. Official FPL notes he has started all five Gameweeks without a blank.
Why is Tarkowski scoring so well?
He has returned through a goal, assist, clean sheets, defensive contributions and bonus.
Is £6.2m too much?
It is expensive for an Everton defender, but the decision should be based on total scoring routes rather than club reputation.