Everton midfielder James Garner has praised Adam Aznou after his performance against Sunderland last weekend.
Aznou made an instant impact following his late introduction to the FA Cup tie. Indeed, the 19-year-old won the penalty, converted by Garner, to take the game to extra time.
Speaking of the young Moroccan’s performance, Garner said: “That’s what we need, that’s what we want. We need people to – when they do get the chance – to take the chance, and I think Adam was very good when he came on.
“So, I’m hoping he can get a few more minutes now and kick on and I’m hoping the rest of the lads can as well because we need them.”
The Toffees would go on to exit the competition on penalties, failing to convert all three spot kicks.
Garner, who alongside Beto and Thierno Barry missed during the shootout, insists the season is at a crossroads.
SEASON AT A CROSSROADS – JANUARY TO BE A DEFINING MONTH FOR EVERTON
Form has significantly dipped, as has the performance levels. With an ignominious exit from both cup competitions and European ambitions fading, it feels a little like the season is over in January.
However, with nine senior players currently unavailable, Moyes has been without a full strength squad for some time.
When they do return to the starting XI, Garner wants to see his teammates ‘step up’ for the second half of the season.
“When we do finally get the [absent players] back and we do have a full squad, we need everyone to step up because we’re going into a vital part of the season now – probably on a little bit of a bad patch at the moment.
“So, we need to get out of that as fast as we can. And we need all the lads to step up now.”
With paper thin options and next to no goal threat, the club has to invest this month.
Reports suggest a loan bid for Fenerbahce forward Youssef En-Nesyri has been made.
Negotiations are said to be underway, with a £20m option to buy clause included in the deal.
