£15m midfielder has officially ran further than any of his Everton teammates this season
Sean Dyche’s sides are known for being notoriously hard-working, with shape and defensive structure at the core of any success.
Everton have been no different this season, with the Toffees registering the second-most Premier League clean sheets behind Arsenal.
With just 32 goals conceded, Everton’s defensive record ranks amongst the best in the division.
One aspect that underpins the Toffees’ impressive work off the ball is the distance covered by some of Dyche’s midfielders.
James Garner tops Everton running charts
James Garner has proven to be the club’s long-distance champion, having covered 247 kilometres during the 2023/24 season.
The Premier League’s official X account posted a graphic displaying which players have covered the most distance for their respective clubs.
West Ham United’s James Ward-Prowse tops the running charts with over 270 kilometres covered thus far.
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As for Garner, the £15million signing has cemented his place in Everton’s midfield, starting 22 matches this season.
Per FotMob, the 22-year-old has won 120 duels this season, putting him in the top 5 per cent in the Premier League.
After a difficult start to life in Merseyside, the former Manchester United youngster has started to feel at home under Sean Dyche.
“My first few months were quite tough as I suffered quite a serious injury, and that was my first one,” he told Sky Sports.
“It was quite hard to have it at such an early stage. I worked so hard to get back fit, and I finally did.”
He added: “Ever since then, I’ve been present in the team, which I’m happy about and grateful for. This season, there is a different feel going into every game.
“I’m not worried at all, and I am going into every game thinking we can win. Last season, it was a case of thinking, ‘we’ll take a point’, but now we’re disappointed when we don’t win.”
Monday’s fixture against Crystal Palace feels like a must-win. The visitors are in turmoil and could be there for the taking.
With back-to-back fixtures against Manchester United and Liverpool on the horizon, these are the type of games Everton need to pick up three points in, especially at home.
