James Garner dubbed ‘outstanding’ after what he did in Everton v Leicester
James Garner has been hailed as “outstanding” by BBC Merseyside reporter Ian Kennedy after the performance he put in for Everton in their Premier League win over Leicester last Saturday.
The midfielder has recently returned from injury after a lengthy spell on the sidelines that saw him miss a large chunk of the first half of the campaign.
Writing for the BBC Sport website (6 February), Kennedy shared why he thinks Garner is now going to be “key” for David Moyes’ men.
“David Moyes will not – and is not – get carried away and knows there is still hard work ahead, but the early signs are really encouraging,” he wrote.
“The return of James Garner is key – he was outstanding against Leicester – Beto’s goals will give him a huge boost, and the signing of Carlos Alcaraz adds another option.
“Bournemouth will provide a real test on Saturday, but I think a lot of teams would like to avoid Everton just at the moment, especially at Goodison.”
James Garner could be exactly what Everton needed to avoid Premier League relegation
Before Moyes was re-hired as the Everton manager, it felt like Sean Dyche was leading the Toffees down a one-way street towards relegation.
However, since the Scotsman has come in and taken over, he’s managed to prove that the Merseyside outfit have what it takes to be competitive in the top flight, by making a few tweaks tactically.
While Everton’s attack has been the main thorn in their side this season, their midfield has also been massively hindered by injuries.
While Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala have held down the fort more than well enough, now that the latter of the three is injured for the season, they’re going to have to change things up.
Indeed, Tim Iroegbunam is another option Everton have but much like the Belgian, he’s currently ruled out with an injury.
So, Garner returning when he did has likely given the Toffees the boost they needed with his constant pressing and impressive defensive among the things that will likely make him an essential part of Everton’s starting XI.
In other Everton news, the Friedkin Group seem to be looking at replacements for a senior behind-the-scenes figure.
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