Everton have confirmed that James Tarkowski will be the club’s new captain.
Tarkowski succeeds Seamus Coleman, who held the armband in the blue half of Merseyside for seven years following Phil Jagielka’s departure in summer 2019.
Following the Republic of Ireland international’s depature, the centre-back will assume leadership duties in his own right after filling in on regular occasions.
Writing in the programme for Saturday’s Premier League opener with Crystal Palace, Tarkowski has spoken of his pride at taking the armband on permanently.
He said: “To play for a massive club like Everton is special enough.
“But to follow in the footsteps of some legendary names as captain means a huge amount to my family and me and it is truly one of the proudest moments of my career.
“I’ve had the fortune of being led at Everton by an outstanding captain in Seamus Coleman. So many people in football rightly acknowledge what an inspirational leader he is.
“While I’m fully aware of the big task it is to follow on from him, I know it’s important to continue the high standards Seamus set day in and day out, and ensure everyone appreciates what it means to represent Everton.”