This season, the £15 million midfield player has officially run farther than any of his Everton teammates.

This season, the £15 million midfield player has officially run farther than any of his Everton teammates.

Sean Dyche’s teams are renowned for their exceptional work ethic, prioritizing defensive solidity and tactical structure as key components of their success.

This season, Everton has exemplified this approach, boasting the second-highest

number of clean sheets in the Premier League, just behind Arsenal.

Their defensive record, having conceded only 32 goals, ranks among the best in the league.

A crucial factor contributing to Everton’s defensive prowess is the impressive

distance covered by some of their midfielders, a hallmark of Dyche’s tactical philosophy.

James Garner stands out as Everton’s long-distance running leader, having covered 247 kilometers during the 2023/24 campaign.

This achievement was highlighted by a graphic shared by the Premier League’s

official account, illustrating the players who have covered the most ground for their respective clubs.

While James Ward-Prowse of West Ham United leads the league

with over 270 kilometers covered, Garner’s contribution to Everton’s midfield

has been significant, starting in 22 matches this season.

Despite a challenging start at Everton, including a serious injury early on,

Garner has gradually found his rhythm and established himself in Dyche’s midfield setup.

His resilience and hard work have paid off, reflected in his impressive statistics,

such as winning 120 duels this season, placing him in the top 5 percent in the Premier League.

Reflecting on his journey at Everton, Garner acknowledges the initial difficulties

he faced but expresses gratitude for his consistent presence in the team since recovering from injury.

He highlights a shift in mentality within the squad, from a mindset of settling for

draws to one focused on securing victories in every game.

Looking ahead, Everton’s upcoming fixture against Crystal Palace is viewed as

crucial, presenting an opportunity to capitalize on the visitors’ struggles.

With challenging matches against Manchester

United and Liverpool looming, Everton recognizes the importance of securing

maximum points, particularly at home,

to maintain momentum in their pursuit of success.

Read more news on sporttoday.co.uk