Not Dewsbury-Hall: Chris Sutton raves about Everton 'incredible piece of business'

Chris Sutton reckons that Everton pulled off an ‘incredible piece of business’ to sign James Garner.

The midfielder has transformed himself into an indispensable player for the Toffees this season. He has started every Premier League game, operating in the middle of the park and both full-back positions, and assisted Beto’s opening goal in last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Chelsea.

Garner’s performances have earned him a maiden call-up into the England squad while he was rewarded with a new long-term contract at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Garner joined Everton from Manchester United in the summer of 2022 for an initial £9 million, which could rise to £15 million. Although he had injury issues early in his Blues career, his hurtling progress underlines it has proven to be a shrewd bit of business.

With David Moyes’ side pushing for European qualification, they are three points below the Champions League places, Garner’s impact has been key.

Speaking on the Monday Night Club, former Celtic striker Sutton said: “In terms of the way they play, I was trying to think about moving stadiums and how difficult that has been, I don't think you can measure.

“They have lost a few heavily at Hill Dickinson Stadium, their away form is better than their home form and that's important. I just like the way he has gone about it.

[Jordan] Pickford has been outstanding, [Jarrad] Branthwaite has been out for the majority of the season but Michael Keane has been absolutely superb, [James] Tarkowski. James Garner, I said earlier in the season, he's got his call-up for England now. How much was he when he went to Everton? Was he something like £10-12 million? That is an incredible piece of business to pick him up for that with his contribution to the team.”

Sutton also picked out the displays of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Everton from Chelsea for £25 million last summer. And he believes that strikers Beto - who was at the double against Chelsea - and Thierno Barry, who have both faced scrutiny, have done well in comparison to some more expensive purchases, including Newcastle United duo Nick Woltemade and Yoanne Wissa.

Sutton added: “Looking further forward, [Iliman] Ndiaye has been good for a couple of seasons. Dewsbury-Hall, I wonder what Chelsea fans are thinking? His ability in that final third to pick a pass. Tyler Dibling, it hasn't quite worked for him, [Jack] Grealish has been a revelation.

“Here's one for you: when you look at the money Newcastle spent on two strikers, the best part of £125 million and then you add up the two Everton strikers who we have all been critical of a bit, but they have chipped in.”