Everton’s playing squad have been massively criticised for how poorly they played against Newcastle United on Saturday – but James Garner has somewhat escaped with criticism after a strong individual performance.
Everton were three goals down to Newcastle within half an hour after some poor defending and an unusually shaky Jordan Pickford performance, and when Malick Thiaw scored his second of the game after half-time, the boos were ringing around the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Players such as Pickford, Jack Grealish and Tim Iroegbunam have all been questioned for how they played, in what was undoubtedly Everton’s worst performance yet under David Moyes in his second spell as boss.
But James Garner can keep his head held high after some impressive statistics emerged from the game.
Everton v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
James Garner was a rare shining light for Everton in their loss to Newcastle
Despite the 4-1 drubbing, Garner was impressive. Per Sofascore, the midfielder completed 84 of his 87 passes, reaching a 97 percent completion rate against a strong Newcastle midfield three of Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
50 of those were in the Newcastle half, showing good progression going forwards despite Everton’s lack of impetus in the final third.
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Although he only had one shot in the game which went wide, it was also Garner’s tackling success that was impressive. The former Manchester United man won one of his two tackles, made four recoveries, and crucially won all four of his ground duels, showing a complete nature in the midfield.
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Only losing possession eight times, it was a strong outing for Garner, who will give Thomas Tuchel food for thought.
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Garner has been touted for an England call-up in recent weeks, and although there are other options who will get into the side ahead of him, he’s certainly in the conversation.
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson look to be the mainstays in the starting XI, while Jude Bellingham does appear to be a certain to travel to North America for the World Cup in the summer.
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However, Jordan Henderson is 35 and may not be guaranteed a spot, while Alex Scott, Adam Wharton and Curtis Jones don’t boast much more experience than the Toffees star.
Garner’s ‘fantastic’ performances in the centre make him a consistent, steady option for Tuchel to consider and if he can keep up his strong form for the Toffees, Everton could have another player in the England mix alongside Jordan Pickford.
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