Tarkowski heaps praise on ‘technically outstanding’ Everton teammate Garner

Everton have enjoyed a promising start to the 2025/26 campaign, with the Toffees eyeing a return to the top half of the Premier League table and a place in Europe.

Defender James Tarkowski reflected on the year and singled out his teammate James Garner for praise following some excellent performances in the engine room.

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Tarkowski hailed Garner, saying (via EFC’s website), “Oh, he’s been outstanding.

“I mean, we all knew how good Jimmy was since the moment he signed here.

“He’s had a couple of setbacks with longer-term injuries when he’s missed probably two, three months of football.

“But now you’re seeing him week in, week out and how good he is. And you can put him anywhere.

“He can literally play any position on the pitch, and he’d play out of his skin.

“He’s physically really good, technically outstanding, makes great decisions, affects the game going forward and also defensively.

“He’s got everything, so we’re lucky to have him.”

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Garner has been a crucial cog for Everton boss David Moyes, featuring in all 17 Premier League games so far, bagging a goal and creating five big chances.

The 24-year-old records 1.4 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, winning 58% of his aerial and 59% of his ground duels.

He recovers the ball 4.4 times per 90.

Garner keeps things ticking for the Merseyside club in the double pivot and has shown his remarkable versatility by filling in at right-back when Moyes needed him to.

An England call-up should be on the horizon for Garner soon if he keeps up these performances.

The Toffees are also reportedly trying to tie him down to a new deal, and rightly so after his recent showings. He can be a cornerstone of this team for years to come.