James Garner impressed at right-back on Sunday for Everton - so could he be used in that role on a more permanent basis?
David Moyes and James Garner celebrate Everton's victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
David Moyes and James Garner celebrate Everton's victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
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The changes made by David Moyes against Crystal Palace swung the game in Everton’s favour. Yet of all of them, it was probably the substitution that was forced upon the Blues boss that proved most important in getting the team over the line.
Carlos Alcaraz and Beto added a physical thrust that had been lacking in the first half when they came on at the interval. While neither had a goal or assist to show for their efforts, their direct play in attack transformed a ponderous performance into one of purpose.
Then Tim Iroegbunam was brought on in the 65th minute. With Michael Keane injured, Moyes had to rejig his defensive setup, and with James Garner shifting across to right-back, there was a spot in midfield to fill.
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It was at this point—when Palace legs were beginning to look a little weary after their Europa Conference League exploits—that Iroegbunam stamped his authority on the game. Introducing an athletic player like him for Keane gave the Blues a physical edge over their jaded opponents.
From that point on, Moyes' men ran all over their rivals. Iroegbunam’s surging run drew a lazy foul and led to an equaliser from the penalty spot. Then, in the latter stages, it was a blue wave of attacks one after another. Palace tanks were empty.
There was clearly a conditioning factor at play as Everton came on strong in the closing stages. Yet the way the team finished the match will give Moyes some food for thought—and perhaps even a potential solution to a longstanding problem position.
One of the knock-on effects of Iroegbunam’s introduction was Garner moving to right-back after all. Following another awkward performance from an out-of-position Jake O’Brien in that sport, the change brought more purpose and balance to Everton’s right side.
So, can he just stay there? It would represent something of a gamble, as Garner - according to the records - has not started a Premier League game for the Blues as an orthodox right-back since joining the club.
But as a wing-back in a back five and even as a left-back, he has shown himself to be capable. While Garner may lack a standout attribute, his consistency and understanding of the game make him invaluable as a versatile option.
Having already filled in at left-back earlier in the season, and with O’Brien struggling to find rhythm on the flank of the defence, the time could be right for Moyes to take a closer look at Garner as part of the backline. What he lacks in size and defensive instincts compared to O’Brien, he makes up for with energy and technical quality.
While the Everton boss may be loath to move one of his starting midfielders from his best position, for the sake of the team the time could be right.
Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson look unlikely to be starting games at this stage. In midfield, Iroegbunam could be an option if he can use this latest cameo as a momentum-builder, while Merlin Rohl, once he's fit, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could potentially be deployed deeper. That would also create space for Alcaraz to get more chances playing off the centre-forward.
While there are no obvious right-back starters, Garner’s versatility at least gives Moyes options.
The merits of O’Brien in the role were understandable at first, and the unorthodox nature of a footballer with his somatotype playing in that position did take teams some time to adjust to for flummoxed wingers. But it increasingly appears as though opponents are finding ways to exploit that area of the pitch.
Garner could be the latest stop-gap option until Everton finally - and surely - sign a right-back in January or next summer.
That change may not necessarily get the best out of Garner. But for the team, for now, it could make sense for the collective.
And for a player as selfless as the midfielder, that is surely all that matters.