Everton were pegged back by Jarrod Bowen’s second-half goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, leaving David Moyes’ side three games without a win, but there was much to like about this Monday night effort in the Premier League.

However, there’s a sense that the Toffees might be somewhat one-dimensional in their approach play right now, funnelling the ball out to Jack Grealish, who wasn’t at his best against the Hammers but remained the brightest spark.

Problems persist regarding number nine. Beto toiled once again, missing a good opportunity to score in the first half, and Thierno Barry lacked composure and positional intelligence across his second-half cameo.

However, there were bright sparks for Moyes and his team as they drew this match against West Ham United.

Everton's best performers vs West Ham

James Tarkowski hasn’t quite looked himself so far this season, and all of an Everton persuasion will be eager to see Jarrad Branthwaite complete his long-awaited return from injury and settle back into the backline.

However, the decision to extend Michael Keane’s contract before the summer was rubber-stamped after his thumping header after 18 minutes, rising and directing into the net with such emphatic power.

Grealish we have mentioned, but his alternative wideman, Iliman Ndiaye, was also bright, winning four duels and creating two chances, as per Sofascore. However, the Senegalese’s sharpness when it matters could do with some work.

Off the bench, Tyler Dibling also looked bright. The teenager stepped in for Ndiaye and put in a promising late-stage display, leading The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland to comment that he “would like to see much more” of the fleet-footed talent.

However, there’s another man who often goes under the radar who deserves a bit of credit. Indeed, James Garner put in an impressive, workmanlike performance in the middle of the park, showcasing his technical skill besides with the delivery for Keane’s thumping header.

Might Moyes have unearthed the next Leighton Baines?

Everton's new Leighton Baines

Garner has been at Everton for a while now, joining from Manchester United for £15m in 2022. He has played 92 times for the Merseysiders and has made a positive impression since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at the start of the year.

As Sofascore reveal, Garner took 82 touches, more than any other player on the field, completed 88% of his passes, won three of four ground duels and found the target with four long balls across the evening. The Liverpool Echo handed him a 7/10 match rating for his labours.

Given that he has already played three times as a stand-in left-back this season, the 24-year-old could grow into Moyes’ next Baines, should he continue to go from strength to strength.

Now Everton’s assistant manager, Baines was one of the most talented left-backs in the Premier League during his long stint at Goodison Park, hailed by Kevin Phillips for having “a wand of a left foot”.

Baines made creativity an art form for defenders before it was cool. He boasted such accuracy on the ball and was intelligent with his passes. Furthermore, Baines was very much a set-piece specialist.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

259

64

Andy Robertson

310

60

Leighton Baines

420

53

Graeme le Saux

327

44

Kieran Trippier

209

38

While Garner isn’t a defender, his versatility lends itself to the berth, and there’s no denying he has an eye for a pass that doesn’t differ all that much from Baines’ back in his heyday.

Moreover, he has a power in his ball-striking which nearly came up trumps. His ferocious strike late on bore testament to that.

It’s worth pointing out that Garner’s contract expires next summer, and with work still needed across a range of positions, it feels vital that the industrious Englishman’s terms are renewed.

Moyes has previously acknowledged the scale of Everton’s rebuild and that it would take more than just the one transfer window to bring it all together.

Recent results have underscored that, for sure, but with players like Garner doing the hard yards, Moyes will be sure to retain the essence of his long-standing philosophy while imbuing his team with new modern touches. Garner embodies both.