JUST IN :Dyche must now unleash “phenomenal” everton star in a totally different role vs villa

Everton fans would be forgiven for bringing a sense of dread into their upcoming Premier League game against Aston Villa, but there is reason for optimism.

   Three defeats in August at the start of the campaign have not assuaged concerns around Goodison Park at the moment, but Jarrad Branthwaite is yet to kick the ball as he recovers from injury and Sean Dyche’s side played well against Bournemouth a fortnight ago, despite capitulating late on.    on.

   Unai Emery’s Villa will certainly present a tough test, but Everton won their last trip to Villa Park (in the Carabao Cup last year) and will look to rectify their poor start.

   Everton team news

   Unfortunately, Branthwaite doesn’t seem to be up for it, but Michael Keane did well last time out in his absence, before the late stages of the horror film.

   Summer signing Orel Mangala may be in the center of midfield, but the Blues’ defensive woes have been compounded by Seamus Coleman’s injury against England during the international break.    Veteran right-back is a major doubt with an Achilles injury and Nathan Patterson is not yet ready to return.

   So Everton have problems on the right side of their back line and may have to think outside the box.

   How Dyche could solve Everton’s right-back problem

   Let’s be honest, Ashley Young would give up if he was placed on the right.    He’s as experienced as they come, but the 39-year-old could have a tough task of stopping the electric attack of Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and others.

   Roman Dixon is an exciting teenage talent but he may struggle against a fiery Villa Park on such an occasion.

   What Everton need is an alternative solution.    With Patterson and Coleman expected to be out, Dyche could turn his attention to James Garner, who is normally a midfielder but has played at right-midfield for the Toffees and has been considered on the right-hand side of defense at the club in the past.    .

   He has the right style.    An athletic and dynamic player, Garner ranked in the top 16% of midfielders in the Premier League last season for interceptions per 90 (1.35) according to FBref.

   The 23-year-old missed Everton’s opening games in League One this season but returned as an unused substitute in the defeat to Bournemouth.    Playing in the Carabao Cup win over Doncaster Rovers, he further demonstrated his defensive qualities and athleticism, claiming eight turnovers and winning 60% of his tackles on the ground, according to Sofascore.

   James Garner: Career Stats by Position

   City

   Applications

   EXAMPLE

   assistant

   Defensive midfield

   130

   21

   9

   Central middle

   54

   2

   10

   Right center

   11

   0

   1

   Attacking midfield

   9

   2

   2

   Left center

   2

   0

   0

   Middle back

   2

   0

   0

   Statistics via Transfermarkt

   He is tactically flexible and was often down the right last season.    In the Premier League, Garner averaged 2.2 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per game in his 37 games, winning 57% of his tackles.

   Defensively good, the ace has also been praised for his “phenomenal” ball-handling skills by pundit Trevor Sinclair.    He is the complete package and could be the perfect option to slide into the right side of the defence.

   Therefore, Dyche should release him in this new role to deal with Coleman’s absence for their Premier League game this weekend.