Photo via BBC Sport

How exceptional Garner became Everton's main man

James Garner continues to establish himself as a vital figure for Everton following his standout showing in a scoreless match at Tottenham, where he outworked an opposing central pairing of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes valued at nearly £200m. Pundits Thomas Frank and Ashley Williams both praised the midfielder for his recovery work, communication, and composure after he managed to stop multiple threats despite missing a large portion of pre-season because of hernia surgery.

Acquired from Manchester United for an initial £9m in 2022 after a promotion-winning loan stint with Nottingham Forest, Garner previously never started a league fixture for his boyhood club and endured testing initial campaigns on Merseyside under Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche amid club sanctions.

His breakthrough arrived during the 2025-26 term, where he missed only six minutes of league action, helped guide a bid for European qualification, and struck the opener in a 2-0 triumph away to Forest that brought Everton within four points of the top four. Manager David Moyes commended the midfielder's transition into an authentic leader and admitted Garner exceeded his initial expectations.

Last season, the England youth product led Everton in completed passes, tackles, interceptions, chances created, and total assists with seven—four of which arrived after winger Jack Grealish suffered a campaign-ending injury in January.