Manchester United, it’s not too late to add a name to your shortlist!
Despite playing the majority of games as a 6, with his versatility also seeing him deployed at RB, LB and as an 8, James Garner has racked up 2 goals and 7 assists this season.
His duel % puts him in the 100th percentile and possession won 96th; that’s Casemiro territory and better than Elliot Anderson!
His ball progression has also stood out, with forward passes sitting in the 83rd percentile and key passes in the 77th percentile. His overall passing accuracy still remains strong at 87%. He has created 56 chances, 12 big chances and made 53 successful crosses.
In fact, he outperforms Tonali, Scott and Baleba on every single key metric and outshines Elliot Anderson on most metrics (besides dribbles and defensive contributions).
Seeing as we are data led, Garner is English, not headed to the World Cup, only 25 and likely cheaper than Elliot Anderson and potentially Sandro Tonali, it is baffling why we didn’t fight to bring him home.