Tottenham Hotspur summer signing Xavi Simons is new to the Premier League and one Everton player really caught his eye after playing the Blues in October.
Everton signed a number of new faces over the summer who have had mixed starts on Merseyside in the opening months of the term.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has excelled for Everton, with the 27-year-old the club’s joint-top goalscorer alongside Iliman Ndiaye.
However, there are also players like Tyler Dibling who is still awaiting their opportunity to showcase his talent at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
And then there are some players who have been at the club for a number of years, but they are now finding their best form under David Moyes.
One of those players really took Xavi by surprise when Spurs made the trip north, where they became the first side to win at the Hill Dickinson.
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What Xavi Simons said that shocked him about Everton’s James Garner
It is believed that Everton are now in talks with James Garner over a new contract, with his set to expire at the end of the season.
Garner has been one of the real standout performers for Everton this season having shown his versatility in both midfield and defence.
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Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Xavi named Garner as the player who’s surprised him most since joining the Premier League.
What more does James Garner need to show to earn an England call-up? 🏴
David Moyes quote on James Garner's England hopes ahead of the World Cup.
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“Were there any opposition players that you played when you came to England and you were like oof,” the Spurs man was asked.
“The one that surprised me was I guess Everton was I knew because of the youth teams he played in Manchester United, James Garner,” Xavi replied.
“He’s older than me, but I knew. Now when I played against him I felt like okay technically with the ball he is, I think he’s really good.”
Garner has caught Thomas Tuchel’s attention this season, after the England manager was spotted talking to the 24-year-old at Old Trafford.
An England call-up may now be a big stretch, but it is apparent that Garner is doing enough to catch the attention of players and pundits across the league.
Everton want Garner to become midfield focal point
A number of areas need adding to over the January transfer window and midfield is certainly one of them.
Everton want to avoid using Garner as a full-back going forward, with a new right-back high up on their agenda.
James Garner HAS become Everton’s starting midfielder, but who should play alongside him? 🤷♂️
An overview of James Garner's 2025/26 season stats.
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Idrissa Gana Gueye departs for international duty on the back of this weekend’s game, which will put a strain on Moyes’ midfield options.
In recent games, Dewsbury-Hall has shone in the deeper midfield role, with the likes of Merlin Rohl still recovering from injury.
Garner has been instrumental in this Everton side under Moyes and it is clear, with plans for January shared, that the 24-year-old has become crucial to the starting XI.
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