Everton’s midfielder shone against Brentford and Aston Villa.
Sean Dyche has praised James Garner’s recent form and stated that he expects him to play more centrally in the future.
Garner, 22, has always been a natural central midfielder, but under Dyche, he’s been played all over the pitch, including in the center, out wide, and even as a wing-back.
He joined Everton from Manchester United in the summer of 2022, but a back injury and a lack of form kept him out of the starting lineup until Dyche’s arrival in late January.
Starting seven of the past eight games, including the final-day win against Bournemouth, was clearly a hint of things to come, and it is evident he is held in high respect by the Everton boss, who lauded the midfielder’s versatility when questioned at his news conference today.
When asked about people questioning Garner’s current wide placement, Dyche answered, “Which people?” “I think it gives us more options for Jimmy, I think he’s applied himself to anything we’ve asked of him, which is terrific from a young player in the Premier League,” he said before being told it was the general clamor on social media.
“Playing wide, playing wing-back, in one of our most pressing needs at the end of last season, doing a fantastic job.” He played really well in a wider position for Brentford, and I believe he can perform there because of his delivery and power.
“And I thought at Villa he was very good; I like the fact he’s adaptable, I do see him longer-term as being a central midfield player and I think he sees himself in that but he’s flexible and adaptable and being open-minded is a great thing to have for a young player.”
He’s been all-action across numerous positions this season, averaging 1.7 critical passes per game, 4.1 recoveries per game, and winning 65% of his total ground duels.
With the addition of Jack Harrison to the Everton squad, he now has competition for the right-midfield position, but he certainly provides a different, more all-around midfield threat than the classic offensive winger that the Leeds United loanee does.
Dyche irritated fans by leaving Arnaut Danjuma and Harrison on the bench against Luton, so it stands to reason that one of them two will start, although Garner appears unstoppable on present form.
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