The Toffees have a secret weapon who can significantly boost their ranks.
Everton manager Sean Dyche is unsure about his strongest lineup, owing to the lack of availability he has experienced in their first few Premier League games.
However, with a clean bill of health due this weekend, this is the ideal opportunity to unleash some stars.
Because of the injury crisis on the wings, which has kept Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil out, others have had to fill in. James Garner, maybe as a result of his tremendous mobility, was forced to play on the right flank rather than his preferred central midfield position.
How talented is James Garner?
While the 22-year-old has struggled, his 7.10 average rating in the league is an outstanding result for a player who is frequently playing out of position. His ingenuity and work rate support such a figure, with the relentless general averaging 1.3 critical passes, two tackles, and 4.8 ball recoveries per game, according to Sofascore.
The former Manchester United academy graduate is making the best of a bad situation, and while his form ranks him as the squad’s joint-third-highest-rated player, a definite lack of dynamism is dampening the threat that Dyche’s assault would expect to represent.
With the return of those aforementioned wide men, the question now becomes where Garner could be relocated to continue his form while not pushing out a teammate who is also flourishing.
Although it may seem the logical option to shift him into his favored position, another player may be given one final chance to impress to see if he can regain his former form.
After all, Andre Gomes has become something of a forgotten man at Goodison Park, his career hampered by a catastrophic ankle injury in 2019. After losing that early burst of pace, it has been a difficult and tedious effort to re-create the superb performance that prompted Marco Silva to pay £22 million on his permanent acquisition.
Is Andre Gomes on his way out of Everton?
His recent loan spell with LOSC Lille, on the other hand, indicates a man potentially rejuvenated, who should be allowed to try and stamp his starting claim ahead of Garner due to his seniority.
After all, it’s worth attempting to earn a return on the Portuguese maestro, knowing that his counterpart will be patiently waiting if he fails.
Former Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn, on the other hand, expressed his support for the former Barcelona player, saying, “He’s a very composed footballer, looks very good on the ball, intelligent and knows which space to run into.” His passing is excellent, as is his tackling; he is an excellent all-around footballer.”
According to Sofascore, the smooth 30-year-old featured 26 times in Ligue 1 last season, maintaining a 6.83 average rating while scoring three, assisting two, and posting an 89% pass accuracy all from the engine room. This attacking energy would be welcomed on Merseyside, which has been looking for a powerful creative force to partner Amadou Onana.
Despite his youth, the Belgium international has already established himself as one of Dyche’s most significant players, with his dominant displays proving crucial in quelling rival threats and developing their own.
As a result, his 7.22 average rating is supported by his 1.8 tackles per game, four ball recoveries per game, and 1.3 critical passes per game, according to Sofascore.
Defensively mature yet with a touch of class, pairing Gomes with the 22-year-old might result in a brilliant partnership, spearheading their first Premier League win of the season while Garner awaits his turn to shine.
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