Dyche may have found Everton’s next James Garner in an academy player who can “score goals” – opinion

Everton have a long tradition of developing young players, with some of the game’s brightest stars emerging from Merseyside.

Naturally, Wayne Rooney is the most prominent, but there are countless more notable figures who have established wonderful careers, like Ross Barkley, Leon Osman, Francis Jeffers, and David Unsworth.

However, having developed to become both Manchester United’s and England’s greatest-ever scorer for a while, the former is unavoidably going to get all the credit. He will, after all, be remembered as one of the finest players of his generation, developed at Finch Farm.

Since then, there has been a strong emphasis on emulating that accomplishment, and while few will ever achieve what the former Derby County manager did, he has set the standard for all youth products.

What Sean Dyche wouldn’t give for a player half as brilliant as Rooney right now to lift his team out of their rut and lead them to a brighter future.

While there is no like-for-like heir to the Red Devils great, there is one creative midfielder who has the goalscoring touch of the prolific 120-cap marksman.

After all, given how frequently Charlie Whitaker scores at the young level, it may soon be time to give him that first-team shot. Especially given how desperate the Toffees are for more firepower to help their engine room.

Who exactly is Charlie Whitaker?

As the former Burnley manager attempts to establish a pragmatic, defense-first play style, he clearly prefers a workmanlike midfield trio of Amadou Onana, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Idrissa Gana Gueye.

When confronted with lesser sides that will aim to sit deep against them, they freeze when given the initiative. They are duped by a marked lack of originality, and as a result, they are continually attempting the spectacular, only to fail due to a lack of technical competence.

While many would simply fit James Garner into one of those three places, Dyche is set on rejecting this suggestion, instead preferring the 22-year-old to deputize on the wing.

So, Whitaker could be the one to persuade him otherwise, providing the offensive drive that the Manchester United academy graduate would, albeit with a touch more attacking flair.

After all, the 20-year-old shone both against rival U21s teams and against senior teams last season. His three goals and four assists in 11 Premier League 2 games were excellent for a midfielder, and his one goal and one assist in the EFL Trophy came against tenacious Hartlepool and Harrogate Town first-teams.

However, given how amazing his 2021/22 term was, such form was always expected. He scored six goals in 15 Premier League 2 games while playing in no fewer than seven different positions ranging from central midfield to center forward.

Such skill was certain to elicit acclaim, with former U23s boss and academy graduate Unsworth even praising Dyche’s goal-scoring ability: “I have really enjoyed the last few months working with him!” I truly have. He performs the most difficult thing in the game, score goals, and he makes it look easy.

“For his size, he is good in the air and brave; we just need him to link play and his future is bright.” I’m not getting too enthusiastic because you can’t since it’s too early. But the signals are quite promising.” If Garner stays in his makeshift right midfield post, Whitaker will undoubtedly be the next to break through and give the experienced senior manager a serious selection dilemma.

How talented is James Garner?

Before delving into Garner’s excellent numbers, it is worth contextualizing his season thus far, given the majority of his outings have come from a position in which he is not at ease.

Having said that, he did make a remark indicating his readiness to play wherever, which speaks more to his commitment than his desire. “Wherever I’m wanted, I’ll play,” the £30k-per-week master declared. I believe I have the skillset to play the higher role, such as No.10 or No.8; I can do both. I have a lot of energy and am eager to get my hands dirty.

“But I also have some creativity in my game.” This means that as No.10, I have the potential to score a goal or assist others in doing so. Playing deeper, I can help the team keep possession and move ahead.”

So, according to Sofascore, maintaining 1.7 crucial passes, 1.6 tackles, and 4.1 ball recoveries per game is commendable.

However, his best performance of the season thus far came in the Carabao Cup, where he was placed in his preferred midfield spot alongside Onana as they traveled to face Aston Villa.

Garner would score the game’s first goal, and his zeal and technical prowess in the engine room would assist spearhead a press that would neutralize the hosts. As a result, he earned an 8.2 rating that night, which was bolstered by his one critical pass, 81% pass accuracy, 12/14 ground duels won, and seven tackles, according to Sofascore.

He was tireless but a constant creative danger, which they will be greatly lacking when Gueye takes his place. Such a performance, however, did not impress Dyche, who sent him back out wide for the next weekend’s game against Luton Town, which they would lose.

If he’s going to be stubborn with Garner, Whitaker might be the one to turn his head. Goals are desperately needed for a team that finished second in the league in scoring last season, and this youngster would undoubtedly supply them.

The similarities between him and their £15 million man are obvious, with the only difference being that Dyche has yet to get his hands on him and rebrand him as a winger. As a result, he may have a far greater chance if he sticks to his preferred position.

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