- Everton campaign ended in disappointment after going winless during the run-in.
- Toffees failed to qualify for Europe, but there were still some impressive displays.
- David Moyes will face the task of keeping his best players for next season.
Everton’s end to the season saw them go winless in their final seven matches and miss out on an opportunity to gain European football.
It was a huge disappointment for Evertonians as the Toffees’ form fell off a cliff following a late defeat in the Merseyside Derby.
Yet after some poor performances, there were individuals in David Moyes’ side who had put in promising displays over the course of the season.
Europe will be the target for the 2026-27 campaign, and these two stars will be at the forefront of the Scotsman’s plans.
Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner rank among the best
Everton’s squad faced a lot of criticism following their end to the season, but Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner managed to avoid much negative talk due to impressive displays on the pitch.
Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 Premier League, Gradient Sports ranked the top 50 players in the division, with the Englishman and the Senegalese managing to rank in the top 20.
Ndiaye placed 19th and was praised for his all-around play, as he was shown not to have any ‘major weakness’ after featuring in 32 matches for the Toffees, with nine goal involvements to his name.
Garner managed to crack the top ten and ranked seventh, with the midfielder being praised for his ‘composure on the ball’, as well as his elite match fitness, and astuteness in defence.
What does the future hold for Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner?
Should Ndiaye and Garner remain in royal blue shirts next season, they will be key men at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes wants to bring multiple new bodies into his squad, but his star duo will not be replaced, and the only issues he will face regarding them are ensuring they remain on Merseyside.
Ndiaye’s future has already been thrown into the air with reports emerging that he has turned down a new contract from the Toffees, yet he remains on good terms with the club.
But with Garner’s snub from England’s FIFA World Cup squad, a quiet summer could keep interest away from the midfielder, and he will likely remain firmly in Everton’s hands.
The duo was a shining light in a dull season for the Blues, so Moyes will be ensuring they remain in his squad as he looks to guide his side back to Europe and trophy contention.
