Everton drew 2-2 with Manchester United in the Premier League Summer Series last night – and one player has been receiving all kinds of plaudits.
David Moyes and the players continued their preparations for the new season over in the States.
Iliman Ndiaye was on target for the Toffees, after United took the lead through Bruno Fernandes from the penalty spot.
United went back ahead through Mason Mount, before an own goal brought the game level again.
It was another good exercise, and there was some good stuff in there at times from Everton. Although one slight concern was Beto, who Moyes admitted he’s been disappointed by recently.
The striker has trouble holding the ball up and bringing others into play.
The focus will now swing back onto transfers for the time being, as Everton prepare for their next game against AS Roma at the weekend.
And one player who’ll be hoping to shine in that game, as he did last night against United, is James Garner.
James Garner impressed for Everton in Manchester United draw
James Garner drew criticism from fans at times last season.
Some felt that he lacked consistency in the midfield. Certainly, his partner Idrissa Gana Gueye caught the eye a lot more.
But last night against United, Garner really did put in a solid display.
He was confident on the ball and constantly showed to receive possession, and dictated the tempo of the contest well at times.
And his performance caught the eye of fans on social media.
@had_duncan: “James Garner has been superb tonight playing deeper, winning tackles, playing good forward through balls. I think we know his position for the season, well done lad and a much better team performance finally a bit of optimism.”
@_joe7818: “Good game that. James garner brilliant all night.”
@matt1878: “James Garner a really good game there. Our starting 11 are a really competitive team, we just need to add more quality over the next couple of weeks. All in all, happy with our performance there.”
@Paulefc97: “Definitely a lot more positives to take from that. Thought Garner was brilliant. Over to the recruitment team this week.”
@markvanmarle: “Garner the standout, result a plus, but the depth between the 2 sides is frightening, we were far too easy to play through but carried a little threat ourselves so a draw was fair.”
Garner must build on Man United display
Moyes would surely have been encouraged by last night’s display by Garner against United.
With Moyes wanting to rely Idrissa Gueye less in 2025/26, it will be important for Garner to step up for the Toffees and make himself undroppable in the midfield to allow his partner to be rotated more.
Garner has all the tools to really shine for Everton.
He is clearly capable of running games as he demonstrated last night against the Red Devils.
Now the onus is on him to ensure he is more consistent, and the become the midfield maestro for Everton.
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