Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Wed 1 April 2026 21:03, UK

James Garner is the favourite to win the Everton Player of the Year award, according to Derek Mountfield and Kevin Rattcliffe.

The two Toffees legends believe the midfielder, who recently made his senior England debut, is surely primed to be rewarded for his efforts at the end of the season.

Mountfield has been impressed by the energy the former Manchester United ace has shown in the Blues’ engine room.

Rattcliffe isn’t surprised that the 25-year-old was part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans in the March international break, featuring against Uruguay and Japan.

David Moyes has turned Garner into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and the Englishman is surely set for a big future.

Dan Friedkin has pulled off James Garner blinder at Everton

Garner signed a new contract in January, securing his future at the Toffees until 2030.

The England international’s previous deal was set to expire in the summer and The Friedkin Group have arguably pulled off a masterstroke to keep him at Hill Dickinson Stadium for an extended period.

It wouldn’t have been surprising to see top teams around Europe urging the midfielder to sign for them as a free agent at the end of the season, but that’s out of the question now.

Along with Idrissa Gueye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Garner has been part of a midfield that has been instrumental in the Blues’ success this season, and European qualification is in sight with just seven Premier League games to go.

Speaking on the Merseyside outfit’s X account on 1 April, Mountfield said, “My Player of the Year this year has been Garner. He’s been outstanding. He covers ground that he shouldn’t cover. He makes the game look effortless.”

And Rattcliffe said, “James Garner has been fantastic. Been top, top drawer. That’s why he’s in the England squad.”

Hill Dickinson duo also in contention for Player of the Year award

Garner hasn’t been the only Everton player who has caught the attention of the Premier League, with Jordan Pickford and Iliman Ndiaye continuing their heroics for Moyes.

The English goalkeeper has pulled off some incredible saves for the Merseyside outfit, and he will arguably be in contention for the end-of-season awards.

As for the Senegal international, he was in prime form in the first half of the campaign, but his performances have dropped off a bit since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Whoever ends up picking up the accolade will have arguably deserved it, with several standout performers leading the Blues into a successful period.