James Garner was recently crowned Everton’s Player of the Season.
The Everton midfielder took his game to new heights over the last 12 months, cementing himself as one of the best number eights in the Premier League.
As such, James Garner was attracting interest from Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest prior to penning a new contract in January.
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Garner was even called up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in March, but just missed out on the World Cup campaign.
Anyhow, it’s been a remarkable season for the 25-year-old, and he’s now released a statement via the Everton website after winning the Player of the Season trophy.
James Garner feels like he’s become a leader
Garner thanked Everton fans and players for the votes and also stated that he’s really started to feel like a leader at the club recently.
“I’d like to start by thanking Evertonians and my teammates for voting me Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season at our recent awards,” the former Manchester United player said.
“I’m really happy with the recognition I had, not only from the lads but the fans as well. I’m really grateful.
“I think at the start of the season, I knew I had to have a good campaign. I’d been here for three years, had a few injuries, and I just felt it was my time to really step up. Last summer, I told myself I needed to come back in shape and hungry and that’s exactly what I did. I hit the ground running and I’m glad the form continued.
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“It was nice for me to hear the manager recognise me as a potential leader in the squad. Although I’m not a man of many words, when it comes to needing to say something, I’ll definitely say it. I’m not shy in that regard.
“I think my leadership comes a bit different. You’ve got Seamus who is very, very good at talking and communicating. That’s not the case so much with me but I think I lead in terms of how I train every day and the examples I set. I want the lads to follow that and to give 100 per cent every single day. That’s all our fans want – to give the best account of yourself – so I hope I’m leading in the right way.”
With Seamus Coleman leaving upon the expiry of his contract this month, Everton certainly need another voice to step up.
So, it’s great to hear that Garner is vocal in the dressing room, as it won’t be long before James Tarkowski passes the armband on.
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