- James Garner has been awarded two Player of the Season awards
- The midfielder has played every minute this season
- Ndiaye won Goal of the Season, and Braiden Graham the U-21 Player of the Season
Everton handed out their end-of-season awards this week. James Garner walked away with two of them. The midfielder won the Men’s Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Season.
Iliman Ndiaye won Goal of the Season for his solo effort at Sunderland in November while Braiden Graham picked up the Under‑21s Player of the Season after a brilliant individual campaign.
But the main talking point is Garner. And he deserved it.
Garner’s influence goes beyond numbers at Everton
James Garner has a modest return for the season in terms of numbers. Some might argue for Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall, who had a brilliant season of his own after coming from Chelsea in the summer. He scored eight goals and four assists in 30 league games, which is a solid return.
Beto also had a case. He scored nine league goals from 17 starts, which included a late-season surge that almost dragged Everton into Europe. But the award is not just about goals. It is about consistency, availability, and influence. James Garner plays in a position where goal contributions are a by-product and not the main focus.
James Garner started all 37 of his league appearances. He played every single minute, 3,324 in total. That alone is a remarkable achievement in a season where Everton had so many injury problems. James Garner was one of the first names on the starting lineups, such has been his influence this season.
While performing his defensive duties in the middle of the park, he contributed two goals and seven assists as well. Not flashy numbers, but his work off the ball, his reading of the game and his reliability made him the glue in midfield. He also earned his first England cap and had a brilliant debut. Thomas Tuchel even called him ‘mini-Valverde’, a big compliment for his very first game. That says enough.
‘More to come from me’, James Garner issues warning
Speaking after winning the awards, James Garner said, “I feel like I’ve come into my own this season, so I’m really happy to be recognised by the players and fans. I genuinely believe there’s more to come from me – and the whole team.”
That hunger is why he is so valued. His stellar season has linked him to various clubs for a summer move, including a move back to his former club, Manchester United.
Dewsbury‑Hall had moments of magic of his own. Beto had a hot streak. But Garner was there every week, doing the dirty work in the middle of the park, covering ground, making tackles, keeping things ticking. That is why his teammates voted for him. That is why he was awarded those awards.
Braiden Graham: one to watch next season
The Under‑21s award went to Braiden Graham. The young forward produced 31 goal involvements, including 26 goals and five assists in a standout individual term. He has been knocking on the first‑team door for a while. David Moyes has already mentioned him but called for patience. With Everton needing more firepower and squad depth, Graham could get a real chance next season.
He has pace, confidence, and a knack for being in the right place. Pre‑season will be huge for him. If he impresses, he might save Everton millions in the transfer market or at least be a decent rotating option in the next season.
Ndiaye’s Goal of the Season was a beauty. He picked up the ball at the Stadium of Light, drove at defenders, and finished with composure. “I thought I could score as soon as I got the ball. I saw everyone stop, and I just went for it!” he said. A moment of individual brilliance in an otherwise frustrating campaign.
So congratulations to Garner, fully deserved. And keep an eye on Graham. He could be the next big name at Everton.
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