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Everton manager Sean Dyche has revealed that he is a fan of midfielder James Garner, insisting that he is a ‘very good player’ to the Liverpool Echo.
The Birkenhead-born midfielder arrived at Goodison Park from Manchester United last summer in a deal worth a reported £15 million but has remained sidelined with a back injury since last November.
Consequently, Evertonians are yet to see what the 21-year-old can bring to the team, with just six substitute appearences in the Premier League this season.
However, while Sean Dyche confirmed in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa that the England U21 star remains unavailable, his eventual fitness could provide the Everton boss with a very welcome selection headache.
Confirming that he is a fan of the youngster’s talents, Dyche revealed that he attended the City Ground many times last season and watched Garner during his successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
He said: “I think he is a very good player, there are a lot of good players here.”
Indeed, James Garner was integral to Steve Cooper’s side as they secured promotion to the Premier League, scoring four goals and providing eight assists in forty-one Championship appearances, with a further two assists in the FA Cup.
While the Premier League is of course a different pedigree to English football’s second tier, such a creative contribution is difficult to ignore, especially when you consider Everton’s stunted attack.
James Garner to improve goal threat under Sean Dyche
Creating goalscoring opportunities has hindered Everton’s progress all season, and Garner may well be the player to step up when fit.
Abdoulaye Doucoure, who’s contract expires in the summer, would be the obvious contender to make way in Everton’s midfield. Outcast under Lampard, the Mali international has returned to the starting XI under Dyche, performing well in a midfield three with Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana.
However, the 30-year-old has disappointed overall since his 2020 move from Watford, with just four goals and three assists in seventy-two Premier League games for the Toffees.
Indeed, as one of the higher earners at the club, I would be surprised to see Doucoure in an Everton shirt next season, but Sean Dyche could have an ideal replacement already.
