Pete Hanson

Mon 23 October 2023 19:10, UK

One of James Garner’s biggest strengths may also cause of his biggest frustrations at Everton.

The former Manchester United man is most comfortable at home in the centre of midfield and has started the Toffees’ last two Premier League games there, including scoring in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth (BBC Sport, 7 October).

But Garner has proven incredibly versatile for Everton and Sean Dyche and his adaptability might have to come into use again when they face West Ham on Sunday (29 October).

Veteran Ashley Young has been used at right-back in recent games but his red card in the 2-0 Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool means that he is suspended against the Hammers.

Garner has previously filled in at right-back for Everton and has also played there before for England Under-21s, so Dyche might be tempted to move him deeper against David Moyes’ men.

Of course, the other option to fill that void is to bring in Scotland international Nathan Patterson, but even doing that might not leave Garner in his favourite central midfield berth.

Jack Harrison was excellent on his first Everton start in the aforementioned Bournemouth victory but did not offer a great deal of protection for Young defensively against Liverpool.

Once again, this is where Garner’s versatility is beneficial to the team if not always to himself. Dyche could consider moving Garner to the right of midfield to help Patterson out defensively – even if doing so means losing something going the other way.

Not many would argue with the fact that Garner’s best performances in an Everton shirt have come in central midfield but Young’s absence means Dyche may have no choice but take him out of his favourite role.

In other Everton news, one journalist has made an admission involving the Toffees’ persuit of Kalvin Phillips.