Despite Everton’s injury problems, David Moyes seems to have a solid starting eleven after the 2-0 win against Brighton.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko’s absence has opened up the door for Moyes to experiment.
James Garner could have played right back, but the Scotsman has opted to play him on the left, and he showed his worth with an excellent strike against the Seagulls.
Even though the 24-year-old is a central midfielder, he excelled in unfamiliar surroundings for Everton.
But of course, with the middle of the park being his true calling, Garner has revealed how he feels about playing at full-back.
James Garner celebrates goal for Everton vs Brighton.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
James Garner claims he’s ‘really happy’ at left back for Everton
Of course, as a midfielder, he would want the role of Idrissa Gana Gueye, but Garner’s versatility makes him a useful option for Moyes.
Speaking to the Everton website, the former Man United man seems to be content playing in the no. three position, and summed up his feelings.
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“I’m really happy,” Garner said
“I knew what I was up against today with (Yankuba) Minteh – he’s probably one of the fastest players in the Premier League, so I knew what I had to do, and I think I defended him quite well.
“To keep a clean sheet, with Jake [O’Brien] up against another of the Premier League’s best wingers as well, is a great feeling. It’s good to know that I can defend against these elite-level players.”
Everton could’ve risked Adam Aznou to combat Minteh’s pace against the Seagulls, but Garner coped just fine.
Now, Mykolenko might be scratching his head after the midfielder revealed his love for the role.
Vitaliy Mykolenko is going to find it a challenge to replace James Garner at left-back
With Garner now hoping to get settled in the position, it won’t be long before Mykolenko comes back for some competition.
However, with the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tim Iroegbunam looking a class above vs Brighton, there doesn’t appear to be any room in midfield.
This could mean Garner will feel satisfied to keep his place at full-back, but Mykolenko has been Mr consistent in that position in the last three seasons.
24/25 Games played: 35
23/24 Games played: 28
22/23 Games played: 34
Vitaliy Mykolenko’s three seasons starting at left-back
Moyes will finally have a headache in his squad instead of worrying about the opposite, but it certainly won’t be easy for the Ukrainian to just find his place back in the starting line-up.
It looks like Garner is going to stand his ground, and finally, squad depth at Everton is looking bright.