Leon Osman reveals why ‘incredible’ James Garner is Premier League’s most underrated
James Garner has been one of Everton’s standout players so far this season.
Everton take on Nottingham Forest at The City Ground on Tuesday night, where the midfielder will return to his former loan side.
David Moyes’ side drew 0-0 with Burnley last time out, meaning they’ll be looking to snap a three-game winless run against the Reds.
Everton will be going up against former manager Sean Dyche, who has been tasked with keeping Forest in the Premier League, with his side currently sitting five points ahead of 18th-placed West Ham.
Leon Osman gushes over Garner in underrated claim
Everton, on the other hand, are looking to put those days of relegation battles behind them in Moyes‘ second term in charge.
One of the big reasons why the Toffees are looking up rather than over their shoulders so far in 2025-26 has been the form of midfield maestro, Garner.
So good has he been that Manchester United are being heavily linked with re-signing Garner in January, which would be a disastrous blow to both Everton’s short and long-term future in midfield.
Everton will be loath to lose the 24-year-old this winter, and speaking via Match of the Day’s X account, Toffees legend Leon Osman believes Garner is the Premier League’s most underrated player.
“James Garner has been incredible for Everton so far this season,” said Osman.
“His industry, his winning the ball back, his heart on the pitch. Played near enough every position across the midfield and the defence.”
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Garner’s season by the numbers so far
Many Everton fans will dread to think where they’d be without Garner anchoring their midfield.
With 36-year-old Idrissa Gueye away at AFCON and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall injured, Moyes has needed someone to step up for his team in the middle of the park, and Garner hasn’t blinked when tasked with doing exactly that.
- Garner is averaging a 7.30/10 rating per game in the Premier League this season
- He’s made 104 appearances for Everton, scoring three goals
- Garner has already equalled his best-ever assist tally in a single season for Everton, and is one goal behind his best season in that department too
As per FotMob, Garner is currently registering an 87.6 per cent pass completion ratio, has taken 26 shots, created 19 chances, delivered 16 successful crosses, won 84 duels and made 24 interceptions in the Premier League in 2025-26.
Compared to last season, Garner averaged an 82.1 per cent pass success rate, took 12 shots, created 13 chances, made 15 successful crosses, won 80 duels and made 23 interceptions in 21 appearances.
So, at this stage of the season, his numbers are considerably better in the majority of the key areas, showing just how much he’s improving and growing into a larger role with Everton.
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