- James Garner has had a stellar season with Everton
- The midfielder debuted for England against Uruguay in March
- Cole Palmer has singled out James Garner as his toughest opponent
Cole Palmer has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most feared attackers. The Chelsea and England playmaker has tormented defences with his dribbling, vision and finishing. But when asked to name the opponent who gives him the toughest time, Palmer pointed to an unexpected name.
Everton’s James Garner.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Palmer opened up about the challenge of facing the Toffees midfielder.
‘He’s just constantly on me’
Palmer explained why Garner makes life so difficult for him. “You know what? Probably James Garner. You know, he’s just on my toes like, yeah. I think the manager tells him like to stay on me. So, like that’s why he’s so hard because he’s always just like constantly on me.”
The Chelsea star recalled a specific incident from their meeting at Stamford Bridge. “I remember we played him at Stamford Bridge and he swapped for 5 minutes. Like I think it was by accident him and someone else and I ran off the back of someone and scored and then a little time and he was fuming. I saw him at England and I said, ‘This is what happens.’”
Palmer’s admission is a huge compliment to James Garner, who has become one of Everton’s most important players this season.
James Garner had a stellar season
James Garner has started all 36 of Everton’s Premier League games this season, playing every single minute. He has contributed two goals and seven assists, with an Expected Assists (xA) of 5.45 and has created 12 big chances.
His form earned him his first senior England cap in March. James Garner started against Uruguay in a pre‑World Cup friendly, playing 68 minutes. After the game, he spoke of his ambition. “For me personally, that was probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had winning the Euros with the under‑21s,” Garner told reporters. “So I just want to go one step further now, hopefully win a trophy for the first team as well.”
Now, after making his England debut, he is pushing for a call‑up to this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
The ultimate compliment from Palmer
For a player like Palmer, who has faced the best midfielders in the world, to single out Garner as his toughest opponent is no small praise. It reflects the work rate, discipline and relentless pressure that Garner brings every game. David Moyes has built his Everton side on those very qualities, and Garner is the example of that system.
As Everton prepare for their final two Premier League matches, Garner will once again be tasked with shutting down opposition threats. If Cole Palmer’s testimony is anything to go by, few do it better.
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