Xavi Simons has admitted he was ‘surprised’ by James Garner’s abilities in the matches they faced one another.

The midfielder, currently plying his trade with Everton, spent 13 years working his way through Manchester United’s academy ranks before making a permanent move to Merseyside in September 2022.

How James Garner made a name for himself(Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)

Garner made only seven first-team appearances for the Red Devils after making his senior bow in February 2019, most of which came in the 2019/2020 Europa League group stage.

Ultimately, the Birkenhead-born star rose to prominence during his spells away from Old Trafford, most notably during the one-and-a-half seasons he spent with Nottingham Forest.

He played an influential role in Forest earning promotion to the top flight following a 23-year absence, making 41 league appearances (36 of which came from the off) and returning four goals and eight assists throughout the 2021/2022 term.

That subsequent summer when Everton came knocking, Garner green-lit the move, with United earning £15 million through the sale of their academy graduate.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested United would consider re-signing Garner to bolster their midfield with a familiar face when his contract expires next year. However, the Toffees are doing their utmost behind the scenes to prevent him from leaving on a free by tying him down to another long-term deal.

What Simons had to say about Garner(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

When speaking with United legend Wayne Rooney on his BBC Sport show, Tottenham Hotspur starlet Simons singled out Garner as one player whose abilities shocked him.

“The one that surprised me was, I guess, [at] Everton, was… I knew him because of the youth teams he played in at Manchester United, James Garner,” said Simons.

“I knew from the… he’s older than me, but I knew [him]. Now, when I played against him, I felt like, ‘Okay, technical with the ball, I think he’s really, really good.’”