Garner ranked third among Premier League midfielders as Everton star maintains impressive form
James Garner has been rated the third-best central midfielder in the Premier League this season by performance analysis company Gradient Sports, providing further recognition for the Everton midfielder.
The 25-year-old has received an overall grade of 82.1 for the 2026-27 campaign, putting him third among 87 central midfielders assessed by the company.
Garner’s impressive ratings over four seasons
Figures published by Gradient Sports show how Garner’s performances have been rated across the past four Premier League seasons.
Season Overall grade Central midfield ranking
2023-24 68.6 35th of 123
2024-25 65.8 49th of 119
2025-26 81.9 2nd of 102
2026-27 82.1 3rd of 87
Garner’s grade has risen by 16.3 points since 2024-25, although the biggest improvement came last season, when he climbed to second in Gradient’s rankings.
His latest score suggests he has maintained that level rather than simply enjoying a brief run of good performances.
James Garner's 82.1 Overall Grade in the Premier League this season ranks 3rd among Central Midfielders.#EFC pic.twitter.com/lE6PAHMQKY
— Gradient Sports (@Gradient_Sports) November 10, 2026
Garner becoming vital to Moyes’ Everton
Garner has established himself as an important figure in David Moyes’ midfield, combining defensive work with passing and set-piece responsibilities.
As we highlighted in our recent look at Everton’s hard-working midfield trio, his contribution alongside Harrison Armstrong and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been a significant part of the Blues’ performances. Garner has also earned a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for November’s international fixtures, another indication of his progress.
Gradient’s grades are based on the company’s own assessment system, rather than an official Premier League ranking. Nevertheless, finishing second last season and sitting third this term is an impressive record. For Evertonians, the encouraging thing is that Garner is no longer simply showing promise. He is producing the sort of consistent performances that have made him one of Moyes’ most dependable players.
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Gary Gowers is a sports journalist and the editor of Read Everton, where he leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis. He also writes about Manchester City for Read Man City and motorsport for Read Motorsport. A former accountant, he became a freelance writer in 2011 and has written for BBC Sport and Metro.
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