The last few weeks have been a bit of a drag for most Evertonians, but for midfielder James Garner it’s been a time where his career has really begun to move to the next level.
Having played in every Premier League game this season, Garner is fast becoming not only a real fan favourite, but more so a crucial player for David Moyes.
Garner is everything a manager wants in a player: wholehearted, versatile and he contributes to the team in many ways.
The 24-year-old has been called on to play at right-back, on the left, in his more familiar position in midfield, and has been up to the challenge in every position. The phrase ‘he’s got a great engine’ was a popular one in years gone by but has not been so prevalent in the modern game. However Garner epitomises what it means, his energy is relentless from the first minute of a game to the last.
Is James Garner actually better as a full-back or in midfield? 🤔
He's been exceptional just about all season for the Blues!
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.
James Garner penning new Everton contract is sign of progress under The Friedkin Group
Everton‘s owners TFG did well to get him to sign a new contract, something which possibly would not have happened a few years ago when the team and club were struggling.
Keeping hold of players was a problem then, but Garner’s commitment shows progress at the club under the new ownership.
Garner himself told the club’s official website after signing his new deal: “I’ve seen the progress we’ve made recently. Now I want to be part of that progress and get us back to where the club deserves to be”.
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He too recognises the changes happening at the club – it feels like there is a positive direction of travel and there is something being built. Of course there is a lot of hard work to do to continue that and get to where they want to go ultimately, but with players like Garner in and around the place, the path will be much smoother.
I’ve said many times that David Moyes asks a lot of his players. You cannot be a one-trick pony or feel like an individual under Moyes, but he also creates a sense of togetherness which players like James Garner respond to. There’s an honesty under Moyes, and Garner is an honest hardworking player, and a big talent too.
Alan Myers expects Garner to stay at Everton despite transfer interest
There will be clubs further up the table looking to tempt him away no doubt – especially if he realises the dream of playing at a World Cup finals – but for me there is very little chance of that happening. The Birkenhead-born midfielder looks extremely happy at Everton and that means a lot for a player like Garner, who I believe could go on to captain the club in the coming years.
What is important for me is that Everton’s recruitment team do something which has been needed for some time now and bring in a quality right-back. That’ll mean the manager does not have to take players out of their regular positions. Garner’s progression will continue at pace if he is allowed to really establish himself in Everton’s midfield. He showed how valuable he is in that role during an impressive senior debut for England.
Everton have a crucial next seven games where European qualification is a real possibility, I expect James Garner to continue to be a pivotal part of the effort and his wish of getting the club back to where it belongs will be realised just that little bit more.
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