James Garner will be furious with Friedkin Group after what David Moyes has said on Everton recruitment
David Moyes is being forced to play James Garner out of position following Everton’s poor recruitment last month.
The Toffees made just one signing in total across the entirety of the winter transfer window, bringing in Tyrique George on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.
It means that the Merseyside outfit failed to address their lack of depth at right-back for the second window in a row.
Jake O’Brien has been pushed out to full-back for much of the campaign, but when the Irishman has been unavailable, Garner has been the one to suffer.
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David Moyes desperate to use James Garner in midfield
O’Brien was sent off during Everton’s defeat to Bournemouth earlier this month, meaning he was suspended as Manchester United came to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday evening.
Benjamin Sesko scored the only goal of the contest, giving the Red Devils a 1-0 win on Merseyside.
With O’Brien out, Garner was pushed to right-back, and the Toffees missed his quality in the centre of midfield.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, ahead of Everton’s trip to Newcastle United on Saturday, Moyes admitted it was a risk to move Garner out of position.
The Scot once again highlighted the issues at right-back, hinting that he was disgruntled at the lack of business in the winter window.
Moyes said: “I think James Garner’s played really well this season. He’s predominantly a midfield player, but he can play in several positions. I think he’s getting close to the levels needed to play for England.
“We’ve had to put him at right back, because I think he’s as good as anybody there. It’s a big risk [to take him out of midfield] because he’s so good in there.
“We’ve been short of a right-back for a while; we’ve probably been looking for about a year for one”
Garner needs to utilise his abilities
Garner has been excellent both defensively this season, in the top five of players across the Premier League for tackles per game (three) and interceptions per game (1.5).
He has also really improved the offensive side of his game, making 1.3 key passes per match on average and already recording three assists and two goals this term.
While Garner does more than a reasonable job covering at right-back, he is restricted in that position.
As a direct result of poor recruitment by The Friedkin Group over the past year, the 24-year-old’s development is being stunted.
Everton need to ensure he is deployed in the centre of midfield as much as possible going forward.
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