Everton midfielder James Garner admits room for improvement at Goodison Park
James Garner believes he has been playing to a “good standard” at Everton but admitted that there is still room for improvement in his goal contributions.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who can deputise all over the pitch, is one of Sean Dyche’s first names on the teamsheet, appearing in 19 of the Toffees’ 20 league matches so far this season.
However, with just two goals and two assists at Goodison Park since joining the club in August 2022, Garner would like to increase his goal contributions as he hopes to aid Everton in creating success this season.
“I feel I’ve been fairly consistent this season and I feel that I’ve stayed at a good standard throughout the season and sometimes gone above it,” he said in an interview with Liverpool ECHO on Sunday (14 January).
“Now, for me, it’s adding more goals and assists, it doesn’t just help me, it helps the team and goals and assists win games.”
Always room for improvement
With just four goal contributions in 41 appearances, it is understandable as to why Garner may be disappointed with his return.
Goals are hard to come by at Goodison Park, with 30-year-old Abdoulaye Doucoure leading the goalscoring list from midfield, three more than main striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
It has taken a while for the former Manchester United academy star to instate himself at the club, having been injured when Dyche took over the reins last January. But there is no doubt over his ability now and should continue to maintain his place in the starting XI.
But as a player who is capable of playing further forward than his preferred central midfield position, it is expected that Garner can grab more goal contributions moving forward. It could be vital for Everton’s survival this season.
Everton are joint-fourth for the lowest number of goals in the Premier League this campaign and find themselves level on points with Luton Town, who are coming close to exiting the relegation zone.
After four consecutive wins to nil throughout December, beating Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Burnley, the future looked hopeful at Goodison Park. But having won just a single point from their last three fixtures, Everton are back in the danger zone.
In other Everton news, one gem has made a new Manchester United admission.