Farhad Moshiri is far from a revered man on Merseyside, with his work in nosediving Everton after pumping his fortune into the club actually mind-boggling.
It is crazy how a businessman who amassed such a vast net worth managed to make such a mess out of the Toffees, a club where the foundation was in place to build a long and successful legacy.
One of England’s most historic footballing institutions, he took them from chasing Europe to surviving relegation, with few positives across his seven years in control.
Even the appointment of Sean Dyche, made following the miserable tenures of Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard, was not the idea of the Iranian.
He had to be lured away from the star-studded acquisition of Marcelo Bielsa, further emphasising the dreadful decision-making he continues to make.
With the club having now captured some semblance of stability, the former Burnley boss has earned that with fine performances and a starting side he can now trust. At last, the media is now starting to trust him.
At the heart of that has been James Garner, a surprise standout, but a welcome one. And yet, at just 22 years old, a malleable star too.
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In fact, the 52-year-old has already sought to issue him a vocal challenge, outlining the one thing the Manchester United academy graduate can still improve on. He noted: ‘He’s just a good kid. He’s got that nice little edge about him that he’s a bit of a nark now and again, I like it.
‘I think you need that as a footballer. The demands he places upon himself is very pleasing as he works very hard in training and I think he’s getting the rewards with his improvement. Players these days have got it all there, it’s all in front of you.
‘We can only guide them to where they want to go, it’s up to them and he’s showing signs he wants to grip it.
‘That’s really pleasing to see him do it. I want him to do the hard yards and the basics of being a midfield player but I want him to play and have the freedom to play and he’s finding that nice mix.’
How good is James Garner?
Having suffered with a persisting back injury for the bulk of last season, it feels like only now are Evertonians being treated to the true talent that Garner has to offer.
The £30k-per-week maestro joined in a £15m move after shining on loan with Nottingham Forest, yet this term has proven himself more than capable of impressing in the Premier League.
His one goal and one assist from 11 starts is solid, but his underlying figures portray the real positivity he brings to Dyche’s side.
After all, he is recording 1.1 key passes, 2.6 tackles and 4.6 ball recoveries per game, with his ability to nip in and win back possession before springing a counter unrivalled, via Sofascore.
Although far from the finished product, Garner is integral for Everton at the moment, and will only continue to grow.
