Sean Dyche shares James Garner admission ahead of Everton v Newcastle
Sean Dyche does see James Garner playing regularly as a central midfielder for Everton in the long term but thinks his versatility is another “string to his bow”.
Former Manchester United and Nottingham Forest man Garner has been utilised it a few different positions this term, playing 10 times at centre midfield and six on the right of midfield according to WhoScored.
Garner has also filled in at right-back for the Toffees before and some have questioned whether being moved around positionally has actually been to his detriment.
Everton boss Dyche acknowledged he does have a strongest position but thinks his ability to fill in elsewhere is a good thing.
Speaking at a news conference in quotes reported by the Liverpool Echo (6 December), he said: “I see him as a centre-midfield player.
“He’s always been considered a midfield player. He’s learning, it’s just another string to his bow that he can play in other positions when needed.”
A real team player
If you asked James Garner where he would like to play regularly for Everton then he would no doubt reply that he wants to feature in the centre of midfield.
It is where he is most comfortable and definitely where he has been most productive for the Blues.
But what it also shows is that Garner is the ultimate team player and when you are in the sort of predicament Everton are in you need plenty of those types of character.
Moreover, Everton have a pretty threadbare squad they are dealing so with, so having players who can fill in more than one position is extremely useful, and Garner is certainly a huge asset in this regard.
It goes without saying that in the main we want to see him playing centrally, Dyche has admitted as much himself, but if needs must it is reassuring to know there are players like Garner ready to put a shift in elsewhere.
In other Everton news, Callum Wilson has shared a ‘big’ Toffees admission ahead of Newcastle visiting Goodison Park.