The NSNO Everton Forums

kramer wrote: ↑Tue Aug 04, 2026 10:44 pm We’ll find out.

I will say that, as much defensive work as both men get through, playing with Gana and Iroegbunam does require you to be a bit more restrained positionally to hold things together in the middle. Garner had to play with a lot of discipline last season.

Maybe Norgaard allows him to come off his leash a bit and take more risks positionally and with the ball. I’m not expecting it but it’s within the realm of possibility.

Mostly, I’m just disappointed because I feel that Hackney could be Wharton-lite progression machine who helps us control matches and this eats into his opportunities severely.

Yes agree with that. Nørgaard will free him up.

And in terms of Garner's development I don't think it's been a bad thing - its made him a more complete midfielder - almost made him a World Cup option as well, so he'll have to be happy with his progress.

It's the fine balance (and manager's headache) that having quality as cover brings, a problem we've not really had for some time. I think we often forget what is sitting on better teams benches and how the morale/growth is impacted - as we don't have that problem.

It gives us flexibility and options though (if Moyes chooses them). We're going to need the depth if we are to make Europe this season. I think we'd have been in trouble had we made it last season. Imagining what it would have been like in here with a European competition to recruit for and perhaps not the funds and depth to do it.

If Hackney were to get 20~25 games this season that's a reasonable start to life in the top division, and that his form will have warranted selection. It will prevent us from having to pull Armstrong off a loan if any injuries.

Who knows, maybe Nørgaard will be cover more than expected. But knowing Moyes perhaps not.

To add: I've been very impressed with Hackney, he looks snappy and forward looking, and think he certainly has the progressive edge, something we've lacked. Complements our options nicely.

You just know Moyes will push Hackney to play out of position on the wing the same way he always does with progressive midfielders who he doesn’t trust to actually play in the middle