James Garner has had a great season, but Tony Hibbert is wrong about Everton star
James Garner has been one of Everton‘s best players this season, but is Tony Hibbert overlooking one of his teammates?
Garner has arguably had the best season of his career, something that has been recognised by a first England call-up and cap.
The 25-year-old has a shot of being part of the Three Lions’ World Cup squad this summer, which would see him link up with teammate Jordan Pickford in North America.
While Garner has undoubtedly impressed at Everton this campaign, have other Toffees players done more across the entirety of 2025-26?
Everton hero Hibbard has picked Garner as his player of the season but surely Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a better shout?
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall leads the way
On Wednesday, Everton fans were reminded to vote for their Player of the Season as part of their 2025-26 campaign awards.
Any of Pickford, Garner, and Dewsbury-Hall would be worthy winners of this accolade, with very little to choose between them.
| James Garner | Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | |
| Goal contributions | Two goals, six assists | Eight goals, four assists |
| PL appearances | 34 | 27 |
| Big chances created | 11 | 9 |
| Sofascore rating | 7.24 | 7.23 |
Indeed, in goal, Pickford has kept 11 clean sheets this season and has prevented 4.10 goals from going in, which is one of the best in the division.
Garner has been utilised in central midfield, defensive midfield, and on the right of midfield this season, showing off his all round game.
The former Manchester United man has made 3.2 tackles and 4.9 ball recoveries per game, he has won 61 per cent of his total duels, and he has a passing accuracy of 87 per cent and averages 1.4 key passes per match.
That and more is why Hibbert said, “James Garner [is Everton’s player of the season]. Just overall, playing in different positions, what he offers the team and the squad.
“I think he’s been by far the best player we’ve had all season. And credit to him for getting an England call-up as well.”
To say Garner has been Everton’s best player “by far” is a bit of a stretch. Indeed, Dewsbury-Hall has scored eight goals from an Expected Goals tally of 3.79.
He also averages 4.4 ball recoveries and 1.7 tackles per game, in addition to having a passing accuracy of 83 per cent. Garner may pip him, but this is a close-run thing, and saying otherwise is wide of the mark.
Iliman Ndiaye backed for goal award
At the end of Hibbert’s interview, the former Everton defender immediately highlighted Iliman Ndiaye‘s curling effort in their 3-0 win over Chelsea in late March.
Ndiaye is having another impressive season for Everton, with the attacker bagging nine goal contributions in the Premier League this term.
He is one of the best dribblers in the English top-flight and he has an eye for goal, too. And Hibbert thinks that should top the pile when it comes to Everton’s best goal in 2025-26.
He added, “That was an unbelievable strike”.
No arguments there.
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