What really makes garen strong in soloq IMO

Is just how easy he is to play. I admit, I SUCK at the game. But literally, all you do with this guy is q up to someone, e, then run away. You take some damagE? Just wait a few seconds for passive to heal you a bit, then rinse repeat until they are at 40 percent health. Do the combo again, just this time with ult, and boom, there you go. A kill. Even his build path is pretty static - BC - DMP boots, then some defensive items depending on the enemy comp and buy a youmuuus or maybe an IE if fed. This is one of those champs who you can first time in ranked and do well with... people are just realizing that he is good (myself included) after his semi rework. Did it give him buffs? Yes. Did it make him super OP? No, it just brought him into the spotlight for long enough for people to consider him as a viable pick.

Plus, he hard counters riven. Just sayin.