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James Garner can take Everton midfield to the next level - Paul Brown
Everton signed England Under-21 midfielder James Garner from Manchester United this summer and journalist Paul Brown believes he is the “X-factor” needed in Frank Lampard’s midfield.
The Toffees signed Garner for £15million, a steal in today’s market when you consider how much homegrown talents can be sold for [Sky Sports].
The youngster signed a four-year contract with the Merseyside club, promising his best years to Everton and will likely be given the chance to shine under Frank Lampard.
“The X-Factor is Garner because we’re not sure where Lampard sees Garner playing,” Brown told Give Me Sport.
“A lot of people who know Garner and have watched him from an early age think that his best position is the sitter just in front of the back four, where he can run a game, dictate the tempo and use his passing range.
“He is probably the only midfielder Everton have got with that kind of passing range who can be that fulcrum there to begin passing moves and to play that ball over the top if they need it.”
Exciting prospect
Garner will certainly add a different dimension to Lampard’s midfield; he’s a box-to-box midfielder and is equally as comfortable defending as he is attacking.
The youngster has already showcased his talents in the second tier of English football; playing a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League.
During an 18-month loan spell at the City Ground, Garner impressed thoroughly, making 69 appearances scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists. [Transfermarkt].
Garner wasn’t given the chance to impress new Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag, but this doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of being a starter for a top Premier League club.
Under the guidance of Lampard, a coach known for giving youth a chance, Everton is arguably the best club in the league for Garner to harness his skills and improve as a professional.
He’ll be loved by Blues fans and given every opportunity possible to be a mainstay at the club for campaigns to come.
In other news, Harvey Elliott has a huge chance of making a starting spot his own according to our scouting expert
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