Steven Gerrard had intentions of signing James Tarkowski for Aston Villa prior to Everton agreeing a free transfer for the former Burnley defender this summer.
Since arriving at Goodison Park, Tarkowski has formed an effective partnership alongside Conor Coady and already looks to be an inspired purchase by the Blues' transfer department.
Arriving at the club with a wealth of Premier League experience, the 29-year-old has completed the full 90 minutes in each of the Toffees' 11 league outings but could well have ended up elsewhere having also been linked with the likes of Newcastle United and West Ham United.