It has been another largely underwhelming campaign for Everton who have seen some considerable changes off the pitch.
The Friedkin Group have arrived on Merseyside offering the Toffees a fresh start following Farhad Moshiri’s tenure.
But there is some considerable work needing to be done by the new Everton owners with the Blues sitting narrowly above the drop zone.
Sean Dyche is safe in his job at Everton for now, with the Friedkins only considering his position if results dramatically worsen.
Despite Everton’s struggles this season, there has been at least one player who has seriously impressed former Liverpool striker Michael Owen.
Michael Owen hails Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford
There are only two sides in the Premier League who have been able to keep more clean sheets than Everton this season.
Gary Lineker admitted Jordan Pickford was underrated following his display against Chelsea last weekend.
Fast forward a week and Owen has picked the England number one in his Premier League Team of the Season.
Of course, this is just a look back on the opening half of the campaign, with 18 games under Everton’s belt, as a result of the Merseyside Derby’s postponement.
Even in their defeat on the weekend, Pickford was praised by Pat Nevin who singled out the goalkeeper against Nottingham Forest.
- READ MORE: How much transfer business The Friedkin Group are expected to sanction at Everton in January
Pickford is Everton’s most important asset
Although he may now be 30 years old, Pickford has proven himself to be Everton’s most important player over recent years.
Everton may value Jarrad Branthwaite at £75m, but Pickford’s efforts over recent years has certainly played a huge part in keeping the Toffees up.
In the recent draw away in north London, Pickford impressed Arsenal fans who even applauded the England goalkeeper’s saves during the game.
And he has shown his quality consistently this season, having kept seven clean sheets in an Everton side which has only been able to win three games.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
