James Garner names player who left Man City in 2023 as toughest opponent he’s faced at Everton

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Everton midfielder James Garner has opened up on the most formidable opponent he’s faced during his spell with the club.

World-class talents have made their mark at Goodison Park, predominantly for opposition teams.

Didier Drogba enjoyed his trips to Merseyside, with his stunning 2006 volley living long in the memory.

Harry Kane is another player who has enjoyed playing against the Toffees. Per Everton Results.com, the Bayern Munich forward has scored 15 goals against the club, which puts him third behind Les Ferdinand and Aland Shearer.

Now, Everton’s current squad have been asked to name their toughest opponents.

James Garner names toughest Everton opponent

In the club’s YouTube video, Garner named former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan the most demanding player he’s faced at Goodison Park.

Pep Guardiola’s side ran away 3-0 winners towards the end of last season, a day Garner remembers well, and not for the right reasons.

“I’d probably say Gundogan. Last year, I couldn’t really get near him, and he ended up scoring two,” he said.

Luckily for Garner, the mercurial German has since moved on to Barcelona, where he has registered eleven goal involvements in 22 starts.

Much-improved 2023/24 season for Garner

Looking at Garner’s form, it’s been night and day compared to last season. The 22-year-old has started 23 of Everton’s 25 Premier League matches and has become well-thought of under Sean Dyche.

Last season, the former Manchester United youngster was blighted by injuries, starting just 16 matches.

Speaking to Sky Sports on his Everton career, he said: “My first few months were quite tough as I suffered quite a serious injury and that was my first one.

“It was quite hard to have it at such an early stage. I worked so hard to get back fit and I finally did.”

He added: “Ever since then, I’ve been present in the team, which I’m happy about and grateful for. This season, there is a different feel going into every game.

Garner is still in the early part of his career, which can only be good for Everton.

Along with Amadou Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite, the Toffees have a solid core of younger players who could form a successful side in the coming years.