It has been a tremendous season for James Garner, and Peter Reid has explained why he simply must play in the middle for Everton.
Reid has spoken about James Garner for an article in the Liverpool Echo, praising the ace for his consistency this campaign.
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James Garner of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton and Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Credit: Getty Images/Clive Mason.
There has been a bit of talk about Garner ahead of Everton’s next game with Manchester United.
With Jake O’Brien suspended, David Moyes will be forced into a change against the Red Devils – and Garner could well be an option to play at right-back.
But for former Blue Peter Reid, there’s no doubt he should be playing in the middle.
Peter Reid in no doubt James Garner must remain central for Everton
Reid said of Garner: “I think when people say James Garner has been knocking on the door (for the national team) I think rightly so, he’s been outstanding. At Nottingham Forest he was superb against the kid Elliot Anderson, who I think is a good player.
“Everything about his game, defence and attack, is terrific. I’m delighted he’s signed a new contract because he’s a massive asset.
James Garner playing for Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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“It’s difficult to pick teams, and David Moyes sees him on the training ground, but I like him in the middle. I thought Nathan Patterson did alright in the couple of games he came in and I’d always have Garner in the middle of the park.”
Against Bournemouth, after O’Brien was sent off, Garner moved to right-back.
It’s a position we saw him play a handful of times earlier in the season – and he did a good job.
But with Nathan Patterson a natural right-back, there’s only a slim chance we see Garner moved out wide.
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Garner’s performance levels have dipped a bit in recent weeks, so perhaps there will be a temptation to move him to right-back in light of that and the suspension for O’Brien.
But Reid rightly points out that Patterson has had a few good outings at right-back and really, Everton would benefit from having a natural option there.
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ames Garner of Everton applauds during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at Molineux.
Credit: Getty Images/Simon Stacpoole/Offside.
There is an argument that Idrissa Gana Gueye should now be dropped for Everton following a string of poor performances.
He has looked jaded since coming back from AFCON and his dip has affected Garner.
Perhaps Tim Iroegbunam could replace Gueye to provide a bit of fresh impetus next to Garner, or maybe Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could be dropped back.
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