The England number one is understood to be happy on Merseyside ahead of what could be a turbulent summer at Everton
Jordan Pickford stretched himself across his goal in the waning minutes of stoppage time, deflecting Luke Berry’s looping header wide.
It was not his best or most significant save in recent weeks. Even if Everton was safe, it didn’t really matter. However, the fact that he was aware and resolute enough to do so revealed one of the most important stories of his club’s recent troubles.
Despite three successive relegation battles, no player has contributed more to Everton’s survival in the Premier League. England’s number one has achieved success despite Everton’s struggles, highlighting his loyalty to the club that gave him an opportunity.
Pickford conceded his first goal in more than 300 minutes at Luton, against Elijah Adebayo. In the previous three games, he kept three clean sheets during the week when Everton was saved. Among those victories were crucial saves by Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Mo Salah in what became a landmark Merseyside derby win, by Ivan Toney as Everton defeated Brentford to secure survival, and, most importantly, by Chris Wood, who kept Nottingham Forest out just before half-time in the game that kicked off this run of form. Wood’s save was crucial in preventing Everton from relegation, similar to the season-defining saves he made against James Maddison at Leicester City or Cesar Azpilicueta at Chelsea the previous season.
One of the most striking aspects of Pickford’s success in L4 has been his tenacious brilliance in the face of his harshest detractors. Many outside of Everton regard him as inconsistent, and he frequently saves his best for Liverpool and Newcastle United. At St James’ Park, his man-of-the-match performance laid the groundwork for Everton’s late comeback and successful April. He dismisses inflatable dinosaur outfits as meaningless.
Pickford’s impact goes far beyond what fans see on the pitch. In the dressing room, he is a prominent figure, and Frank Lampard promoted him to captain for the first time in his career, wearing the armband against Sean Dyche at Burnley. The 30-year-old expressed pride in the moment, telling the ECHO that it was a pleasant experience. I often emphasise that a team needs more than one captain; Seamus [Coleman] is the club captain, but leaders are needed to assist Seamus and the team as a whole. It would be fantastic if there were 11 leaders on the pitch, but you must lead in your own unique style. I strive to lead in my own unique way. It may appear like I am shouting wildly at times, but it is because I am talking and providing information while also attempting to lead. The more leaders you have on the team, the better.
Dyche’s appointment nearly nine months later came at a moment of great turmoil, yet Pickford elected to sign a new contract within weeks of his arrival. Dyche’s decision, motivated by his passion for Everton, bolstered his authority during a period when positivity was few. Lesser personalities may have sought to exit a club in upheaval. Pickford, on the other hand, has made a long-term commitment to being a club great.
“It’s huge to sign this new contract at such a special club for me,” he stated in February last year. “The fans, staff, and teammates have been wonderful to me since the day I joined, and I want to be great for them. I simply want to continue working hard and playing for Everton. We know we’re in a challenging spot in the league right now, but I’m excited to help the squad develop this season and then strive for success in the future, which will involve playing in our new stadium. This contract will keep me at Everton for more than ten years, and I hope to leave a legacy here that will place me alongside Neville Southall as one of the best keepers to have played for Everton.”
The story outside of the club is unpredictable. On the one hand, his position as England’s number one is frequently called into question, despite his club and international success. Every opportunity to challenge him is taken, and every exaggerated move is misinterpreted as unneeded quirkiness. There are difficult moments, and there have been several this season. However, Pickford has developed significantly in recent years, and true errors are few and far between – much more so for England. When a transfer window opens, the script typically turns, and the issue is raised as to whether a team struggling like Everton is the ideal place for England’s first choice. It happened again this week, with Chelsea believed to be interested in his services ahead of a summer in which Everton faces further financial trouble. Player sales may be influenced by profit and sustainability restrictions, as well as the volatility surrounding the club’s long-running ownership issues.
many links to Stamford Bridge surprised many close to Pickford, who, according to the ECHO, is still settled in the north west and happy on Merseyside. Loyalty is important to a custodian who has a box at Goodison Park and is grateful to the club that paid a high price to give him a chance to establish himself in football’s top league as a 22-year-old who had just been relegated to the Championship with Sunderland, a club he adores but whose trajectory meant the sale benefited them. Pickford is well aware that, whatever others may say about Everton, it is, in his own words, a “massive” club that has been large enough for him to become England’s custodian – every one of his more than 50 caps has been gained since joining the Blues.
He is also grateful to a public that supports him and recognises his worth; he walked out of the tunnel against Brentford to a new Park End banner featuring his image alongside club captain Seamus Coleman. Everton’s summer is expected to be chaotic, therefore it’s important not to rule anything out. But for Pickford, any departure would have to be weighed against the larger context, such as whether it would benefit the club he is proud to represent. Indeed, he departed Sunderland for Everton in identical circumstances in 2017, with club officials later admitting that the £30 million deal was required to keep the club afloat following relegation from the Premier League.
Pickford talked about becoming a club legend when he signed his latest contract. Maddison’s save at the King Power Stadium, which resulted to Everton’s tie against relegated Leicester City, was one of the club’s most significant moments. Since then, despite being on the losing end of the table, his heroics have only added to his legacy at Everton. And, for all the rumours of attention from abroad, there are unlikely to be any complaints if his emphasis remains on a summer with England and then a season anticipating Everton’s move to their new stadium.
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