With no Everton for three weeks, it feels the international break and lack of FA Cup involvement has come just at the wrong time.
The club and fan base are on a high, and I think we’re all pretty much chomping at the bit for the next game with the smell of European qualification in the air. However, the next three weeks will hopefully deliver a number of things ahead of the huge game with Brentford on April 11th.
For those players not on international duty it will mean time to reassess, recharge the batteries without the pressure of games, and for those representing their countries there will be different demands and for one a much deserved recognition for a great season so far.
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James Garner playing for Everton.
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James Garner will join up with England having impressed Thomas Tuchel on a number of occasions. He’s been doing that for Evertonians week in, week out and for me it’s no surprise to see him called up.
I think this will lift him further, and I think he has more to give too. Garner’s work rate has been most impressive in his time at Everton, but that should not detract from how talented he is too. His slide rule pass to set up Beto’s first goal against Chelsea was sublime, his range of passing is underrated and he also has a keen eye for both assisting and scoring a goal.
He is everything a David Moyes player is supposed to be: hard working first and adding skill and talent on top. There are many of those if you care to look throughout Moyes’ two tenures at Everton. Moyes loves an honest player and Garner is certainly that.
Talking of honesty, that brings me to Beto. I’ve been guilty of highlighting his shortcomings in terms of goals this season, but I am absolutely delighted to sing his praises when he puts in a performance like he did on Saturday evening.
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I have said many times you cannot doubt his honesty, his hard work and his determination to do well. Beto always leaves the pitch having put in a real shift and, when it clicks for him, his happiness is palpable and the feeling from the fans is mutual. Evertonians will always support a player that works hard and he certainly does.
I believe he should start every game for the rest of the season, he’s earned that and if James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye can play to his strengths, I think we’ll see a similar end to the season as we did last time out.
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The last seven games are going to provide an exciting ride for all concerned with the club, as European qualification is now a strong possibility for Everton.
It was interesting to hear David Moyes comments after the game on Saturday when he said it was “unbelievable that Everton are even in the mix for Europe”. I’m not sure it is that unbelievable really, and it brings me back to the word ‘honesty’. This is an honest squad, with an honest manager and staff, together with an honest fan base.
That had to change at Everton, we’d had years of too many opportunists whether that was players, managers or anyone else for that matter. This Everton is serious about being a successful football club. A lot of that comes from the manager, and while Moyes’ comments may be just keeping people in check, he will know how close they are to achieving something many didn’t see happening.
As they say ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast’ and there is a good, honest culture at Everton right now – whether that delivers Europe next season, let’s see.
In the meantime I, like most Blues, will be supporting the players wherever they may be playing in the world, especially those involved in World Cup play-off games.
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