Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Fri 1 May 2026 13:40, UK

Sean Dyche is of the opinion that a few of Everton’s squad could be in the running for the coveted Premier League Player of the Year award.

The Toffees are having a stellar campaign and are hoping to end it with cause for celebration – qualification for European competition.

There have been some slip-ups over the last few weeks, with Everton winless in their last three fixtures.

However, with four games left to go, the Blues have time to turn things around but must do so with wins on the board.

Due to Everton’s season, former manager Dyche has now shared three players he feels have gone under the radar for player of the season.

Which Everton players has Sean Dyche singled out for player of the year?

Dyche appeared on talkSPORT on the morning of 1 May, alongside presenter Jeff Stelling. In the closing hour of the show, the topic of player of the year sprang to mind.

Of course, the award is typically handed out to a player competing for the Premier League title or someone breaking numerous records, but Dyche has gone down a different path.

Stelling proceeded to ask Dyche who he believes could win the Premier League player of the year award.

Dyche stated: “You could throw in some of the Everton players, Jordan [Pickford], some of the centre-halves, Tarky and Keano. I mean, I look for different types, I am looking under the radar. You have your obvious ones like Bruno Fernandes and Declan Rice…

Dyche would later follow that up with: “I just look at it differently as a manager.”

Of course, the likelihood is that none of those players mentioned will win the award, and they may not even win Everton’s own player of the year.

There is another player that Dyche did not mention that should be talked about.

James Garner should be Everton’s player of the year

When it comes to impact over the season, Jack Grealish looked on course to scoop up the award, but injury has handed him a major blow.

Instead, James Garner looks to be the front runner based on his performances over this campaign for David Moyes.

The midfielder has earned himself an England debut and realistically should be on the plane to North America this summer.

It is hard to picture any of Everton’s successes this season without the 25-year-old bossing the middle of the pitch.

If the Blues are to qualify for Europe, it will be thanks to the displays of Garner.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.