Dan Carter

Sat 30 September 2023 18:40, UK

Sue Smith was impressed with what Everton midfielder James Garner did for Everton during the first half of their clash against Luton Town.

The Toffees headed into the break 2-1 down to the Hatters on Saturday (30 September) with Dominic Calvert-Lewin halving the deficit late in the opening period.

One of the closest chances of the first half came from Garner as he continued his excellent start to the season from the right side of midfield and his performance early in the half earned plenty of praise from former England Women’s international Smith.

Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (30 September, 15:10) she said: “Everton have just had a great opportunity, James Garner, brilliant bit of skill from him. Initially, McNeil wins the ball back in his own half, into Doucoure who then switches the play to James Garner.

“He cuts in onto his left foot and he’s just looking for that far corner, but it’s just wide. Great opportunity for Everton.”

Some talent

There aren’t many relics of the Frank Lampard era at Goodison Park that have been particularly effective since the former Chelsea midfielder departed the Toffees, but the signing of Garner is turning out to be an excellent piece of business.

The 22-year-old has been excellent so far this season whenever he has started and has to be one of the first names on the team sheet for Dyche currently as he gets stuck in both going forward and in defence. All he needs to do now is add a few more goals to his game.

He has shown he is more than capable of having an impact in front of goal during his time in the Championship, where he managed 12 goal involvements for Nottingham Forest.

If he can add that string to his bow for the Toffees this season, he could be one of Dyche’s most important players and the Everton boss is going to need players he can rely on to keep the Blues up this season.

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