Jordan Pickford has once again been a mainstay of Sean Dyche’s Everton plans during the 2023/24 season.
The 29-year-old has started all 27 of the Toffees’ top-flight matches, helping Everton record the third-most clean sheets thus far.
Pickford’s presence has been an issue for Joao Virginia. The 24-year-old has had to make do with a bit-part role during his five years at Goodison Park, something he was surely expecting, considering the quality in front of him.
Despite the lack of first-team chances, the Portuguese keeper remains full of praise for his teammate, who he insists he learns from daily.
Joao Virginia praises Everton teammate
Talking to Portuguese media outlet Renascenca, Virginia said: “I’ve known him for over five years, so, of course, there’s always room to learn.
“But, whatever goalkeeper we work with, we are always learning one thing or another and incorporating things into our game; Jordan is no exception; he is an excellent goalkeeper, and we are always trying to get the best out of each one.”
Virginia has previously admitted that he’s glad he remained at Goodison Park after being offered the chance to depart in the summer of 2023.
“Obviously, at the end of the season, the club came to me, and we sat together to make a decision on my future. They gave me the opportunity to be the number two here at Everton,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“For me, it was a step up because I’ve been away for two years, and when I was here three years ago, I was No. 3, so it was a great opportunity for me. I hoped to get some game time, and it’s turning out to be a great decision, to be fair.”
Virginia is entering the final year of his contract and could potentially seek a number one berth elsewhere as the summer approaches.
His praise of Pickford is entirely justified. The 29-year-old consistency and match-winning saves have been the difference between Everton and Championship football in recent years.
Pickford has also impressed this season and will be hoping Everton’s attacking players find the net more frequently to reward the Toffees’ excellent defensive record thus far.
After committing his future to the club, it’s hard to imagine another number one being targeted at any time in the near future.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
