Everton goalkeeper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tim-Howard-c35095, went into raptures about Phil Jagielka’s performance against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.
The English International was at his very best as he helped the Toffees play out a 1-1 draw at the Loftus Road Stadium, despite being a man down for a good portion of the second half.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Steven-Pienaar-c34208 was issued marching orders for his second bookable offence of the game, leaving the visiting team with the task of keeping the rampant Rangers attackers at bay.
However, the Toffees defence stood firm as they denied any clear goal scoring opportunities to the home team.
Jagielka, who is also a member of the English squad for the World Cup Qualifiers, was particularly impressive and was the mainstay of his team’s defence.
The American shot-stopper lauded the inspirational presence of the 30-year old in the backline on Sunday.
The veteran Evertonian opined that Jagielka has improved without bounds over the last couple of months and thinks that he was an ‘animal’ against Queens Park http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rangers-c40314.
“Jags was immense. He’s a leader, he’s solid – and he was an animal against QPR,” he told the reporters in an interview.
“He’s grown and grown and looks like he will cement himself in the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 team playing like that. He’s been doing that for us for years.”
Jagielka arrived at Goodison Park from Sheffield United back in July, 2007. Since then, he has made 183 appearances for the Merseysiders and also pocketed 6 goals.
Since joining Everton, the defender has remained a regular in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Leighton-Baines-c21987 is deemed by many as the best in the Premier League.
Following their draw at the weekend, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809, in a crunch EPL fixture at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Howard feels that the centre-back will have an important role to play against the Reds and was optimistic that he will be able to carry his current form into the game.
“He’s been a rock at Everton for a long time and we need him to have the momentum going into the derby,” he added.
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