Players of the Season so far — Start December '25

[GoldenToffee]

IMO:
1. Ndiaye
2. Keane
3. Garner

Big mention to Grealish obviously who has been brilliant - but he was expected to be. Obviously Pickford is once again having an excellent season, too.

The three I picked have stepped up their games massively.

1. Ndiaye
Looks even more accomplished this season with him even running rings around Manchester City's superstars. Joint eighth top scorer in the league (4), and ahead of all of Liverpool's talent bought for hundreds of millions. Tremendously talented, great work rate with huge impact where it counts. Definitely will need an improved and extended contract at the end of the season to tie him down and keep him fully motivated, as clubs are certain to be sniffing around.

2. Keane
Probably the success story of the season so far. Always been a likable guy and clearly has a great fondness for Everton. Often portrayed as the pantomime villain of the club, far too often being on the unfortunate end of a deflection that's lead to us conceding a goal, or an unlucky handball. Had his contract extended virtually against all odds and was seen as the fourth choice going into the season. Injury to Branthwaite caused him to start the season, and he's played all but 25 minutes after 12 games and 2 cup games so far - scoring more goals (2) than all of our other defenders combined (0). Looks much more composed than he's ever been and a lot of people would be dropping Tarkowski before him based on form this season. Bravo, Michael.

3. Garner
Has once again proven his versatility, but actually looks a good player whatever position he's asked to play in. But in his flavoured role, in the centre of the park, he's come into his own and has really started to control games. I guess you could say the better players brought in have helped him shine, and he's taken full advantage. Moyes is championing an England call-up and, if all things were fair, he'd at least be above Henderson in the pecking order.

What you reckon?

 

[Pootsy]

First

I'm going with Garner first. Ndiaye was awesome last season too but Garners levels have gone up massively and not just in CM.

1) Garner
2) Ndiaye
3) Keggers

 

[Eggs]

….have to factor in the influence Grealish has had;

Ndiaye
Grealish
Keane
Garner
Pickford

 

[ToffeeTim]

Pickford is up there as always

 

[Eggs]

Pickford is up there as always

….KDH too.

 

[Swartzy]

As above

Garner - A very obvious pick for me.

Illy - What would we do without him.

Keane - From what he's been through, I couldn't be happier for a player..

( possibly have to cheat tho and place them on level terms )

Jack - KDH and Pickford's prescence plays a massive part in the above.

 

[GoldenToffee]

Please also provide your reasons.

 

[Mr Happy]

Obvious: Ndiaye, Pickford, Grealish

Left field: Keane, KDH, Garner

 

[Swartzy]

If one game could be the factor.

Pickfords whole performance at Utd.
From his leadership intervention with gana/keane to his performance.

 

[b-rad]

Obvious: Ndiaye, Pickford, Grealish

Left field: Keane, KDH, Garner

Exactly this

 

[windymiller]

Pickford is the only logical answer, he wins us points single handedly in some games. N'Diaye and Grealish will get the most praise, and they have been good, but Pickford is out most important player still, and by some distance. Hopefully, in the near future, we won't rely so heavily on him but for now he remains our keystone.

 

[Furey1878]

Agree with the OP with regards to most improved, Ndiaye is far and away our best player, and that's saying something with Grealish in the side now.

Keane and Garner have been the most consistent outfield performers. Neither have been incredible, but just maintaining good standards consistently has seen the team much better off this year. In particular, you have to credit Garner for being a useful utility man and still delivering the same level of performance.

I'd probably have Pickford as #4, I think it's more a sign of our continued improvement under Moyes we aren't relying on Pickford bailing us out week on week. But he's such a reliable goalie now, and I always fancy him to make a good save in a crucial moment.

As for ranking just who are best players are, then its Ndiaye, Grealish and Pickford in no particular order. Shame we haven't seen Brathwait ethis season, he's an elite talent that if fit is easily up there with those 3.

 

[ElGato]

Ndiyae for me has been our best player this year. Has looked completely unplayable at times and that first 45 against City was one of the best individual performances I've ever seen, for any club. Defensive work is also supreme. Burns bright and fast, though, and tends to wilt from 50-60mins, purely because of the sheer volume of work he gets through I think

Grealish next. Never flashy, but the effect he has on the team has been huge, he allows us to play higher up the pitch and his ball retention and ability to win set pieces is crucial

Torn between Garner and KDH for the third spot. KDH similar to Grealish, think a lot of his impact is indirectly felt through simple things done really well, and I think he'll grow as the season progresses. But will give it to Garner. His performances have jumped thanks to playing with the former. The link ups between him, Grealo and KDH are fun to watch, and as a result his passes forward are more regular and more dangerous. Crucially, he often has more time on the ball, and is learning how to control games and set the tempo. We've lacked someone like that for a while

Honourable mention to Keggers. Never been a big fan and his limitations are glaring BUT he has played within himself and been heroic in many moments.

Pickford of course is up there but victim of his own consistency in that I come to expect error prone 8/10s every game now.

 

[Benicetoourboys]

IMO:
1. Ndiaye
2. Keane
3. Garner

Big mention to Grealish obviously who has been brilliant - but he was expected to be. Obviously Pickford is once again having an excellent season, too.

The three I picked have stepped up their games massively.

1. Ndiaye
Looks even more accomplished this season with him even running rings around Manchester City's superstars. Joint eighth top scorer in the league (4), and ahead of all of Liverpool's talent bought for hundreds of millions. Tremendously talented, great work rate with huge impact where it counts. Definitely will need an improved and extended contract at the end of the season to tie him down and keep him fully motivated, as clubs are certain to be sniffing around.

2. Keane
Probably the success story of the season so far. Always been a likable guy and clearly has a great fondness for Everton. Often portrayed as the pantomime villain of the club, far too often being on the unfortunate end of a deflection that's lead to us conceding a goal, or an unlucky handball. Had his contract extended virtually against all odds and was seen as the fourth choice going into the season. Injury to Branthwaite caused him to start the season, and he's played all but 25 minutes after 12 games and 2 cup games so far - scoring more goals (2) than all of our other defenders combined (0). Looks much more composed than he's ever been and a lot of people would be dropping Tarkowski before him based on form this season. Bravo, Michael.

3. Garner
Has once again proven his versatility, but actually looks a good player whatever position he's asked to play in. But in his flavoured role, in the centre of the park, he's come into his own and has really started to control games. I guess you could say the better players brought in have helped him shine, and he's taken full advantage. Moyes is championing an England call-up and, if all things were fair, he'd at least be above Henderson in the pecking order.

What you reckon?

Loving this positive attitude from you, its really nice.

 

[st.domingo]

Ndiaye - stepped up another gear after being POTS last year

Pickford - easy to miss, but we’re nowhere without him; the amount of outstanding saves on Monday alone…

Number three much harder to pick, as thee are several obvious contenders.

For me Jack G has oozed class, but by his own high standards has yet to truly catch fire.

KDH has been very steady, looks better slightly further back in the last two games.

Same for Garner, dependable whenever/wherever called upon.

But go on, I’ll give it to Keggers - whatever wee Davey has been whispering in his ear has obviously had the right effect. Has been solid and turns up with the odd cracker too.