David Moyes believes he may have uncovered Everton’s own version of Declan Rice, with James Garner emerging as a central figure in the manager’s plans during a challenging Premier League campaign.
Results have been inconsistent at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Everton’s hopes of pushing towards a European finish have taken a hit in recent weeks. Even so, Moyes has continued to identify individual progress within the squad, despite acknowledging earlier this month that January reinforcements were far from guaranteed.
With the transfer window nearing its conclusion and little movement expected, Moyes has been forced to lean heavily on players already at his disposal. One of them, he feels, is developing into a midfielder capable of anchoring the team in a similar way to one of his former stars.
Moyes draws Declan Rice comparison with James Garner
Garner recently signed a new long-term contract with Everton, underlining the club’s confidence in his development. Across the season, the midfielder has taken clear steps forward, growing in influence and consistency in the centre of the pitch.
That progress has not gone unnoticed by Moyes. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Everton manager referenced his previous experience working with Declan Rice at West Ham when discussing Garner’s potential pathway.
“Since I’ve come back, I think he’s been really good. He’s stepped up even more so this season. He did great last season, but the games this season he’s done really well and hopefully that can continue,” — Sky Sports
Moyes went on to explain how Rice’s rise at West Ham brought recognition not just for the player, but for the club as a whole — something he believes could also apply at Everton.
England recognition seen as next step
For Moyes, the presence of England internationals carries weight both internally and externally. He pointed to Rice and Jarrod Bowen as examples of how international call-ups elevate a club’s profile and energise supporters.
Everton already boast England’s first-choice goalkeeper, and Moyes hinted that adding another international representative would be significant for the fanbase. Garner, in that sense, is viewed as a realistic candidate if his form continues.
Having followed Everton closely this season, Garner’s development has been one of the more consistent positives, particularly in his positional discipline and composure in possession.
Competition remains fierce under Tuchel
Despite the optimism, the pathway to the England squad remains crowded. Thomas Tuchel has no shortage of midfield options, and Garner faces stiff competition if he is to earn his first senior call-up ahead of the summer World Cup.
Declan Rice is effectively immovable in that midfield hierarchy, leaving Garner to compete with emerging alternatives such as Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson. Those are the players he is most likely to challenge for a place rather than directly displacing Rice.
Earlier in the season, Tuchel was seen speaking to Garner following Everton’s win at Old Trafford, a moment that hinted at growing recognition. However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions.
Key Insights
- David Moyes has compared James Garner’s impact to Declan Rice’s role at West Ham
- Garner has impressed this season and recently signed a new Everton contract
- Moyes believes England recognition boosts both players and clubs
- Declan Rice remains untouchable in the England setup
- Garner faces competition from other emerging midfielders
What’s Next
Garner’s immediate focus will be maintaining consistency through the remainder of the Premier League season. For Everton, improved collective results are essential if individual performances are to gain wider attention. England consideration is likely to depend on form across the final months of the campaign, as well as how Tuchel balances experience with emerging talent.
Could James Garner realistically force his way into England contention, or is Moyes’ Declan Rice comparison a step too far?
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