There has been a rejuvenation at Everton under David Moyes, and this one player is at the heart of it at the moment.
So far, the 2025/26 season has exciting potential ahead as Everton are flying in the Premier League currently.
Two wins in August is normally unheard of at the Merseyside club, but Moyes has managed to make his side look like one of the top teams this campaign.
It’s still early days, but with rival fans agreeing Everton won the transfer window, which has been backed up with the performances, it’s clear that good signs are ahead.
Moyes has provided a new life to his squad, and specifically, one player who has been highly praised.
Everton star James Garner.
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Michael Ball says James Garner has been ‘absolutely fantastic’ for Everton
A standout from August was James Garner.
The midfielder has gone under the radar under the Scot since he returned, as Moyes called Garner one of the league’s ‘best’ at this current time.
It’s certainly hard to argue after his start to the season, as Garner deserves an England call-up following his strong start.
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Someone who agrees with this is former Everton defender Michael Ball, who has been expressing his praise for the 24-year-old to the Liverpool Echo.
“I think that James Garner has been absolutely fantastic the last couple of games with his performances in midfield,” Ball said.
“He’s shown hunger, the right ability and determination, playing like he wants to prove a point. The manager had been vocal all summer about his need and desire to bring large numbers of new players to the football club. That doesn’t mean you should down tools and feel sorry for yourself; instead, you can show why you want to be number one.
“James helped the team by playing at left-back for the first couple of games, but then got the chance to play in his normal position against Mansfield, and he continued that against Wolves, where he was all over the pitch, and that can’t be overshadowed as I think he’s been fantastic.”
It’s the best Garner has played in the Royal Blue of Everton, and it’s a stark contrast from what Ball said in 2024.
Michael Ball said Everton players didn’t trust James Garner in 2024
Now in his fourth season with the club, it’s clear the midfielder has to step up, and he’s done exactly that.
Statistics Rank
Games played 3
Pass accuracy % 84.4%
Touches per 90 67.3
Tackles won % 6/6 (100%)
Recoveries 12
James Garner’s 2025/26 Premier League statistics, as per FotMob
But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the 24-year-old, who received some criticism from Ball after the Toffees drew 1-1 to Crystal Palace in February 2024.
“The passage of play is so lacking for Everton against Crystal Palace, there was no point in having a midfield,” Ball claimed to the Echo.
“If I was James Garner, I’d be embarrassed because it’s like they don’t trust him to control the ball and pass it forward.”
His performances under Sean Dyche were nowhere near the quality he’s playing to now, and suddenly, Garner is one of the most trusted players in the squad.
All he needed was the Moyes treatment, and the way the Toffees star is going, he could be pivotal to what could be a historic season.