- Garner emerges as the leading candidate for Everton’s Player of the Season
- Club legends Mountfield and Ratcliffe hail Garner’s remarkable consistency
- Recent England recognition confirms Garner’s status as a top-tier midfielder.
James Garner has had a remarkable season at Everton and has caught the attention of two club legends. Derek Mountfield and Kevin Ratcliffe believe the midfielder, who made his senior England debut during the international break, is the clear favourite to win the club’s Player of the Year award.
The 25-year-old signed a new contract in January, securing his future at Hill Dickinson Stadium until 2030. With European qualification now within reach, Everton’s decision to tie him down looks increasingly shrewd.
Mountfield and Ratcliffe full of praise for James Garner
Speaking on Everton’s official X account on 1 April, Mountfield did not hold back in his assessment of Garner’s contributions this season.
“My Player of the Year this year has been Garner. He’s been outstanding. He covers ground that he shouldn’t cover. He makes the game look effortless.”
Ratcliffe echoed those sentiments, pointing to Garner’s England recognition as proof of his quality. “James Garner has been fantastic. Been top, top drawer. That’s why he’s in the England squad.”
The former Everton captain later expanded on his thoughts at ‘The Night That Made History’ event at Hill Dickinson Stadium, suggesting Garner’s achievements have gone under the radar partly because of where he plays.
“I think if James was playing for a London club, then he’d have been in the squad a few months ago. I believe he’s been so under the radar for England which is a shame because I thought he was outstanding last year and outstanding this year.”
James Garner made his England debut recently against Uruguay.
James Garner is a mainstay at Everton
Earlier, Ratcliffe also highlighted the challenges James Garner has faced this season, often being deployed out of position to help the team.
“Unfortunately, at times, we’ve had to play our best midfield player at right-back. That shows you where we are as a club. We really need to get that position sorted and put the players in the positions that they’re suited like Jarrad Branthwaite and Jake O’Brien, even though, for me, Jake has also been great playing at right-back.”
James Garner has been a key figure in a brilliant Everton push for European football, forming an effective midfield partnership with Idrissa Gana Gueye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. David Moyes has repeatedly praised the former Manchester United academy graduate, and his England debut against Uruguay earlier this month was the latest recognition of his progress.
With seven Premier League games remaining and Everton just three points off the Champions League places, Garner will be central to any late surge. For Mountfield and Ratcliffe, the season’s individual award should already have his name on it.
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