James Garner has been rewarded for his upturn in form this season with a new contract at Everton, but just how has the 24-year-old improved his game?

The Blues announced at 6pm on Friday that Garner had penned a new deal that committed him to the club until 2030. The Birkenhead-born player said: “I feel like I’ve been through a lot of experiences.

“I want to keep improving. I think the obvious one would be goals and assists, which is the one everyone wants to get better at.

“As well as that, I want to keep that overall consistency, and be a player who people can look to as a leader, setting the right examples.”

Manager David Moyes, who has been championing Garner’s credentials for an England call-up all season, remarked: “He is a player who has developed hugely during his time at Everton. He’s taking on more responsibility and we’re now seeing a really important midfielder, with the versatility to play in other positions, as well as someone who is turning into a leader for us.”