Michael Ball addresses the major issues at Goodison Park following Everton’s 2-1 home defeat to Luton Town.
Because it is his position, I believe James Garner should play in central midfield. Garner’s problem is that he’s a fantastic footballer, so when he plays right-back or on the right wing, he does well.
But, once he’s in central midfield, he’s not second-guessing where he should be, as happens when you play out of position. That’s what happens when you’re moved around; in the Premier League, I played everywhere but goal.
Yes, you can fill in for one or two games during an injury crisis or suspension, but when you return to your native position, it comes naturally to you, and you don’t think about it.
Those fleeting thoughts in your head can have an impact on the game. Garner demonstrated this at Aston Villa, where he played in the center of the field and seemed to enjoy it.
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‘You’ve got two wingers on the bench, why are you playing a central midfielder out wide?’ I wondered. I know the manager says it’s up to the players to change the tale, but it’s his responsibility to establish a proper style.
He’s the in-form midfielder who always tries to find a pass going forward and never hides. He has an all-around game and likes to press and force his opponent to make a mistake.
When he receives the ball, you can see a clever footballer with the ability to make things happen. He’s not rushed, he’s assured, and he can bring some calm to that middle.
It can be like a hot potato for us at times because we give the ball away so easily and cheaply, so Garner is the type of midfielder you need. Others may want to do something immediately and hit the ball out of play, but he has the capacity to look after it.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has his objectives, but what does Idrissa Gueye bring to the table? He can tackle, but he makes mistakes, doesn’t pass forward, and can’t shoot.
I’d drop him and then, if you get ahead, bring him on to help defend the lead. Sean Dyche will be thinking about that, I believe, because he definitely wants to play Garner because he likes him, and he’s starting him even though he has wingers on the bench.
However, we are not a team that can afford to play guys out of position. It doesn’t work in the long run, and you’re discovered.
We’ve done it before with Ben Godfrey. He’s not a left-back, but he played there once and had a great game, so he is played there again, makes mistakes, and gets caught out.
Yes, they’re Premier League players who can play in a variety of positions, but with a full-strength squad, we can’t afford to move individuals around. We’re not Manchester City, we’re not a top-six team, and we’re not even close.
Everyone wishes to have a string of games in their favored position. Garner was signed to the football club last summer but has yet to be given the opportunity to play five or six games in a row.
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