With the 2025-26 season coming to a close, we are into our season review series with a look at the central midfielders and how they did this season.
Idrissa Gana Gueye
G – 25 Min – 2,102 Gls – 2 Ast – 3 YC – 1 RC – 1
Gueye did not have as strong of a season this year compared to last, mainly due to suspension, AFCON, and injury. The soon-to-be 37 year-old is showing some signs of wear and tear, but Gueye is as reliable as they come. Gueye’s contract expires at the end of June and it’s yet to be seen if the club will
extend their option for another year. Despite rumours of a move for midfielder Hayden Hackney, I’d be surprised if we didn’t see the Senegalese midfielder return for at least one more season.
Grade: B-
Gueye was in the right place at the right time to score the game winner in Everton’s 2-0 victory over Fulham.
James Garner
G – 41 Min – 3,714 Gls – 3 Ast – 7 YC – 13 RC – 0
James Garner took a massive step up this season after missing nearly half of last season due to injury. Even playing at fullback for a handful of games, Garner’s talent truly took shape in his preferred role in the center of the pitch. Following an England World Cup snub, teams are still looking at the 25-year-old with transfer rumours galore. Back in January, Garner committed to his Everton future with a new 4-year contract, so here’s hoping Evertonians will continue to see him flourish in Everton’s midfield.
Grade: A
Garner scored a lovely goal (at leftback) in a 2-0 win over Brighton.
Tim Iroegbunam
G – 31 Min – 1,588 Gls – 0 Ast – 3 YC – 9 RC – 0
While Iroegbunam’s move to Everton back in 2024 was seen as more of a “PSR workaround” following Amadou Onana’s sale to Aston Villa, the now 22-year-old has certainly made his mark in Blue. Iroegbunam dealt with an injury-riddled start to his Everton career, but became a regular for the Blues this year in his second season with the club. A clear favorite of Moyes, I’m not sure if I’d like to see him in a consistent starting role for the Toffees next season. A good depth piece and still young, but I think there’s better midfielders out there.
Grade: B-
A shot-pass to Keane led to a 1-1 draw against Wolves.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
G – 32 Min – 2,683 Gls – 8 Ast – 6 YC – 6 RC – 0
Evertonians knew the club had a special player on their hands when Dewsbury-Hall made his Everton debut in a preseason friendly against Roma, only three days after the now-27-year-old signed for the club. A delight to watch on the pitch, KDH brought a certain sense of maturity and confidence in an Everton midfield that was lacking a creative spark. He said it best in an end of season Instagram post: “Awful end to the season after a promising campaign…a long summer now to review & come back bigger and better next year”. Let’s see if the club are up to the task.
Grade: A
Dewsbury-Hall scored the winner against Manchester United shortly after Gueye and Keane’s red card scrap.
Charly Alcaraz
G – 22 Min – 808 Gls – 1 Ast – 1 YC – 4 RC – 0
Alcaraz was a breath of fresh air when he joined the club in the 2025 January transfer window. However, limited minutes after being seemingly frozen out by Moyes did him no favors in a disappointing sophomore season for the Argentinian. It’s clear that Moyes has his favorites, and Alcaraz is far from being one. Still only 23, I’d be surprised if he wasn’t sold off this summer (much to the disappointment of many Blues).
Grade: C
Alcaraz’s last Everton contribution of the season came in a 1-0 win to Bournemouth, assisting Grealish with the winner.
Harrison Armstrong
G – 15 Min – 738 Gls – 0 Ast – 2 YC – 0 RC – 0
I would say it was hardly a surprise that Armstrong was recalled from his time at Preston North End, but more-so surprised that he hardly played when he rejoined the club back in January. You can argue that Everton’s midfield was a bit depleted far before that point in time, but to recall a player who was having a great start to his time in the Championship was a bit of a miscue. It would be an even bigger slap in the face for him to go on loan again next season, but while still only 19, he’ll need all the experience he can get (which will be elsewhere).
Armstrong’s two assists on the season both came in a 2-0 FA Cup win, shortly before joining PNE (clips below at 1:18 and 2:26).
Grade: N/A
Merlin Rohl
G – 17 Min – 764 Gls – 1 Ast – 0 YC – 0 RC – 0
Rohl unfortunately started his Everton career on the sidelines due to injury. Following his rehab, he made a few brief appearances but not enough to become a regular in Moyes’ eyes. However, it wasn’t until later on in the season where Evertonian’s saw more of the German’s skilled work-rate. We’re still not entirely sure where on the pitch Rohl will play next season, but his late-season brilliance is enough evidence to show that he should be a regular in Moyes’ plans.
Rohl scored his lone goal of the season in a 3-1 loss to Sunderland.
Grade: N/A
