Everton are hardly blessed with immeasurable talent in their dressing room. After all, if they were, the last two years would certainly not have consisted of relegation battles.
It has been a long and arduous period for fans of the club, whose expectations have been altered so dramatically that a comfortable mid-table finish would now be welcomed with open arms.
As draining as it has been to continue supporting the Toffees throughout such a dreary spell, there have at least been a few heroes made with whom the supporters have grown a close affiliation.
Richarlison was one such name, who has since left, with Abdoulaye Doucoure another who stepped up to shoulder the goalscoring burden when needed.
However, throughout both of their scraps for safety, Jordan Pickford remained ever-present and immaculate.
Since joining in 2017, signing for a British record £30m for a goalkeeper, there has been huge pressure on the youngster who had just been relegated with Sunderland.
However, he has taken to the role with ease, growing season on season with his maturity and quality at an all-time high.
Now, in an effort to repay the faith of the fanbase, he has spoken of his love for those who have stuck by his side staunchly. He told Everton’s official website: ‘Obviously, I don’t go on social media but I know the Evertonians have my back. I think we have a good bond with each other.
‘They know I wear this shirt with pride and give my all for them every time I’m on the pitch. I’m in my seventh season here now and I know what this club is all about and what the people want from us… The minimum is to leave everything out there on a matchday, give your all. I will always give that and I think that is why they will back me all the way.’
He would then issue his two big aspirations before calling time on his time with Everton, noting: ‘I think the new contract takes me to 10 years at the Club so hopefully I can have a testimonial here!
‘I’ve said before, I want to build a legacy but I’d like that to include winning a trophy. To achieve that as a group, to bring success back here… That’s what we want.’
How good is Jordan Pickford?
Although the 29-year-old has endured some rocky spells across his near-seven years in Merseyside, his form over the last two years has been truly imperious.
Peaking at the perfect time to save his club, Pickford truly stood up during the 2021/22 season, winning the Save of the Season award whilst maintaining 3.3 saves per game in the league.
He would elevate this level slightly the following year, managing 3.4 saves and even chipping in with an assist.
A key distributor at the back but an elite shot-stopper when called upon, Everton fans and pundits alike have marvelled at the impeccable growth of the England international who will now hope to offer the foundation for success way beyond merely retaining their top-flight status.
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