It has been a really solid season so far for Everton’s James Garner.
The midfielder has featured heavily for the Toffees this term, and played in a number of different positions.
And despite that, he has always given a really good account of himself.
Will Garner’s new contract be the signing of the window? 🤩
Everton's James Garner
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On Sunday, Garner wowed Everton fans with his performance against Aston Villa, which has now prompted a lot of people to talk up his England prospects.
Thomas Tuchel was present at Villa Park to watch the game, and surely he would not have left the stadium without placing James Garner on his radar – if he wasn’t already.
Against Villa, Garner was particularly good out of possession, recording a game-high 15 defensive contributions (via Sofascore).
But this season, Garner’s creativity has been quietly impressive, as one statistic now indicates.
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Everton’s James Garner right up there for big chances created
James Garner playing for Everton.
Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images
According to Statman Dave, Garner has been quite the force this season when it has come to big chances created.
He has shared data that puts Garner third in terms of all central midfielders in the Premier League this season, with eight.
The only players ahead of him are Declan Rice (11) and Bruno Fernandes (15).
Interestingly, The Analyst report that Garner is actually averaging a higher expected assists rate than ever before (0.12 per 90) and leads Everton players for line-breaking passes (146).
Furthermore, over half of these have come in the final third of the pitch (79).
So while Garner may not get forward all too often, he is clearly still offering creativity from deeper positions, which is welcome news for David Moyes.
Garner coming of age at Everton
Garner has also averaged a career-high 4.4 tackles and interceptions per 90 this season, and only three players in the Premier League have covered more ground than him in 2025/26 (240.1km).
Clearly, Garner is developing into a really complete player in the blue of Everton.
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
And so, it is little wonder why the club have endeavoured to tie him down to a new contract.
Garner is coming of age, and the Toffees want him to be a crucial part of their project moving forward.
It was reported earlier this week that there is an agreement between Garner and Everton over a contract extension, and hopefully official word will arrive very soon.
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