Wayne Rooney has piled the praise on James Garner after Everton tore Chelsea apart at Hill Dickinson Stadium, revealing he tried to bring the midfielder to Derby County long before he was ripping it up in royal blue.
The Toffees made it back to back home wins for the first time this season with a statement 3-0 victory that sent a shudder through the Premier League’s European hopefuls.
David Moyes’ men were simply outstanding. It was one of those nights where everything clicked, Beto grabbing two goals and an assist, Iliman Ndiaye dancing through for a stunner, and Garner running the show from the middle of the park.
Fresh from earning his first England call up, the 24 year old looked like a man possessed. If anything, the recognition seemed to elevate him. He was everywhere.
And Rooney, watching on for Match of the Day, was purring.
“He is flourishing,” the Manchester United and England legend said. “I think he’s been outstanding, not just this season but last season as well. Obviously he gets his call up to the England squad.
“It’s great for Everton that he’s recently just signed a new contract. For Everton to tie him down is massive!”
Then came the revelation that will have Everton fans smiling even wider.
“I actually did try to sign him as well, for when I was Derby County manager,” Rooney added. “But he went to Forest!”
Garner’s numbers from the Chelsea demolition tell their own story. According to Sofascore, he completed 46 of his 48 passes, a cool 96 per cent accuracy. Only one Everton player had more touches than his 65. He supplied the kind of assist that makes you rewind it three or four times, the weight of pass absolutely perfect for Beto to finish.
But it wasn’t just what he did on the ball. The defensive side? Immaculate. Six defensive contributions, four of them tackles. Garner was breaking up play, starting attacks, and running the rhythm of the game like a metronome.
For Moyes, who has built his revival on solid foundations and players who understand what it means to wear the shirt, Garner is becoming the heartbeat of this side.
The win lifts Everton into seventh, a position that would secure European football if the season ended today. With Garner in this kind of form, you wouldn’t bet against them staying there.
The new contract Rooney referenced? Signed at exactly the right time. Because if Garner continues performing like this, the vultures will be circling. Everton have tied down their man, and nights like this show exactly why.
A first England cap surely can’t be far off. And on this evidence, Gareth Southgate won’t be able to ignore him for much longer.
