Tony Bellew is convinced Everton’s James Garner is the most underrated player around.
It has been a real breakthrough campaign for Garner, which has even earned him a call-up to the England squad in recent weeks.
Everton rewarded the 25-year-old midfielder with a new deal earlier in the campaign amid speculation surrounding interested clubs.
Is James Garner good enough to be playing for England at the World Cup? 🏴
Thomas Tuchel has not called him up to a squad yet…
ames Garner of Everton applauds during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at Molineux.
Credit: Getty Images/Simon Stacpoole/Offside.
With Manchester United keen to re-sign Garner, Bellew believes the Everton star is the Premier League’s most underrated player.
James Garner playing for Everton.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
James Garner named Premier League’s most underrated player
Stuart Pearce is backing Garner to make the World Cup squad following his impressive campaign on Merseyside.
The 25-year-old now has six games remaining this season to prove his worth to Thomas Tuchel.
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.
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“Jimmy Garner has been the most unsung hero in the Premier League this whole season. I think he’s been absolutely phenomenal,” said Bellew on the Outside the Box podcast.
“Every single week the lad plays. He’s played right back, he’s played left back, he’s played centre mid, he’s played parts in defence. He’s just been everywhere. He’s creative. He scores goals. He’s just he’s been fantastic and getting that England call up. It was well overdue in my opinion.”
On the back of his England debut, Tuchel admitted he was impressed with Garner, which should put the midfielder in good stead for the upcoming squad announcement.
However, he can cement his spot on the plane by helping Everton qualify for European football this season.
All eyes will be on the Merseyside Derby on Sunday, with the game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium offering Garner the perfect stage to showcase his ability.
Garner’s versatility has been priceless for Everton
The Toffees have endured some issues in defence this season, with players like Jarrad Branthwaite struggling for fitness.
Garner has praised Moyes throughout this season, but it is the midfielder who has really helped out the manager.
Position Appearances Goals Assists
Defensive Midfield 28 2 6
Right-Back 4 0 0
Left-Back 3 1 0
TOTAL 35 3 6
Through showing his impressive versatility, Garner has featured in midfield, left-back and right-back this season for Everton.
At no point has Garner looked out of place in the two defensive positions.
This is another thing that surely appeals to Tuchel when he is considering whether or not there is a spot on the plane for Garner this summer.
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