James Tarkowski lauds James Garner, says the midfielder “has got everything”

We need players of his ilk, not Fancy Dans that produce a decent display, once in a Blue Moon!

He's supposed to be a fantastic set piece taker but, 3 years on, I am yet to see it.

For me, in recent years, I've seen Everton players hit home many free-kicks and take good corners -- Leighton Baines, Mikel Arteta instantly spring to mind -- but I can't put Jimmy Garner in that same category.

Does he score enough goals? I think you'd have to say no to that one too.

He's a good player at keeping the game flowing relatively well, a good passer of the ball, yes.

I dare say at Everton, however, it's been that long really since we've seen an absolute ultimate midfielder who can do everything, that maybe we have forgotten what that actually looks like.

First of all, we all love Jimmy, he's a great pro and definitely we need to get him signed up, the guy can play everywhere... Maybe put him up front... ha, ha, joking of course... but he wouldn't do any worse than them two.

But seriously, I see Jimmy as a right-back who can get foward with some quality on the ball. He's definitely not a got everything midfielder but, like I say, he's been great this season: Mr Reliable.

Hayden Hackney is the "got everything" midfielder we need; out of contract at the end of the season too: £15M would get him now... Probably "You snooze and you loose..."

I probably feel the same way about a long-term right-back now, or at least until we can get a right-back there with the pace and mobility to overlap. Of what we've played there this season, I think Garner is our best option.

I think the O'Brien project has run its course now and, the sooner that Jake is moved to central defence, the better for us.

I always felt that Richardson was way undervalued, as was also Mick Buckley.

His agent now holds all of the cards, don't be surprised if he leaves for nothing in the summer.

Jim, Everyone has flaws in their game. A holding centre mid isn't going to score 10 goals a season. Our system is built around whoever is playing attacking centre mid. When was the last time we had a complete centre mid?

Peter, I think the same, he looks a bit like Richardson.

I was a big fan of "Sandy" Richardson, but I would go one further. I think Jimmy Garner is a better player.

We have talked about the lack of goals and creativity in our teams down the years, but the lack of footballing brains has been equally crippling. I think Garner brings that.

He see's danger in his own half and opportunity in the oppositions.

My player of the season thus far. He wouldnt have gotten into the eighties team either but, if we can find a couple more players with his level of intelligence in the next 2-3 windows, we would be in business.

I can’t believe we fuck about trying to secure the services of has-beens like Gueye, Coleman and Tarkowski. Get Garner tied up, for fuck's sake. Now would be a good time.

I thought that Richardson never got the credit he deserved at Everton, along with Alan Harper. I thought they were too versatile for their own good.

Maybe that versatility will be a handicap in the future for James Garner — he's a very good centre-midfield player who gets used at full-back because we haven't got a good one on the books, right or left.

Kevin Richardson went on to prove his worth with Arsenal, winning a championship medal with them. He helped to give us Evertonians a great night when he played in that Arsenal team at Anfield when they won the title with that last-minute goal.

As for having a midfielder who has everything, well you might have to rule Colin Harvey out, if you didn't know a great deal about football, because of his lack of goals — was it 18 league goals in over 350 games?And his left foot wasn't that great; same could be said for Paul Bracewell.

He won't be in the Championship for much longer.

No doubt they will try and unsettle the player, and come in with a "take it or leave it" £20M on deadline day.

The Athletic reports negotiations ongoing, with Garner wanting to be one of the club's top earners.

He's only really found very good form this season, and always has an injury in him.

He will definitely leave Boro soon so hopefully we get in quickly. We have been scouting him a lot so that's good news.

Negatives is he looks light weight, and lacks pace.

Can see him being on the move, but not sure he's what we need.

Agree with you, he's got a lot to learn, but he's a very tidy passer.

But Garner hasn't missed a game in almost a year now, and has played all but six minutes this season, never backing away from a challenge and winning most of 'em.

I think he's core to the club going forward, and I'd pay him.

Breaking news, teammate speaks highly of teammate. Gosh, golly, well I never, stone the crows.

Breaking news, said teammate will not speak so well of said teammate if he fucks off to Salford's finest. Unlikely, I know, but just goes to show how words can be fluffy tepid scripted stereotypes at times.

Part 12: Jimmy what do you think of James and please include 'over the moon' and 'towering giant'?

Man Utd are reported as being interested in him this window, this will just add extra pressure on player and club, sloppy by Everton.

My kingdom for a forward "enabler"!

It could be the clubs fault not offering a good enough deal or any deal at all, or it might be him through his agent wanting too much or too long a contract. If the player knows they are in demand they are in the drivers seat. Has he blamed the club? If he has I must have missed it.

I cant say when I watch him he immediately stands out as class but he does seem an intelligent lad with a football brain.

That's the last thing we need... but to let him go into the last 12 months of his contract, which means he walks away and the club get nothing for a top player, is madness.

Garner has commented that he hasn't give his contract hardly any thought. Sorry, James, I don't believe you.

I am sure clubs are talking to your agent, offering different deals, and that would mean you won't sign another contract, because not only will you increase your wages, but you will get a massive signing-on fee.

I agree with you about Garner's value to the club and, like you, I wouldn't be surprised if at least one club has advised him, or his agent, to hang fire on signing a new contract with Everton because they are waiting in the wings.

I hope he renews his contract with us but I won't be surprised if he doesn't.