James Garner is embracing comparisons to a "mini-Valverde" after receiving a late call-up to the England squad, determined to prove his worth in Saturday's Nations League clash against Spain.
The Everton midfielder's resilience and footballing intelligence have earned him another opportunity at the international level, and he is eager to face off against Spain in the Nations League this Saturday.
"It's a very flattering comparison," Garner says, without any hint of irony. The remark came from Thomas Tuchel in March, after the England manager had watched the Everton midfielder deliver an impressive performance on his international debut against Uruguay. Tasked with facing Federico Valverde, Tuchel didn't hold back in his praise. Following the 1-1 draw at Wembley, he described Garner as a "mini-Valverde."
Even with the "mini" prefix Tuchel attached, the comparison might seem excessive, but it's easy to see where the England boss was coming from. Like Valverde, Garner prefers to operate in central midfield but is equally comfortable at right-back or on the wing. And just as Valverde was nicknamed El Pajarito – or the Little Bird – as a child, Garner often flies under the radar.
