Everton should hand Pickford a new contract and keep him at the club
Sam Allardyce will be aiming to make a strong impression at Everton this season, with the club winning their first pre-season game 22-0 against Austrian outfit ATV Irdning. The Toffees have looked cohesive and confident under the manager.
In a season which saw the club break their transfer record under Ronald Koeman, Everton failed to produce anything meaningful in the league.
A number of new signings failed to impress last season as Everton initially struggled to make an impact. The club have signed Richarlison this time out and will be hoping the Brazilian brings the big guns along with him.
One player who particularly stood out in an otherwise frustrating campaign was Jordan Pickford. The England goalkeeper was signed just last year from Sunderland after the Black Cats were relegated to the Championship.
Everton signed the goalkeeper for a reported £30million and he was immediately handed a starting berth.
Pickford was an instant hit with the Toffees faithful and was one of their best players last season. The 24-year-old was the Players’ Player of the year and the Club’s player of the year. He was a crucial figure for Everton last season, making a number of important decisive saves for the club.
Pickford made a total of 38 appearances in the Premier League last season, keeping a total of 10 clean sheets and mustering 121 saves. He is an excellent shot-stopper with brilliant reflexes. Pickford also saved 1 penalty last campaign. The former Sunderland man averaged an impressive 2.71 saves per game.
The Everton goalkeeper was also impressive for the Three Lions in Russia. The goalkeeper made a number of match-winning saves as England ultimately finished 4th. His performances at the World Cup saw the player attract interest from Chelsea but it is absolutely vital that Everton hold onto their new hero.
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Pickford is currently on an extended holiday after his World Cup showing and the club should certainly hand the goalkeeper a new contract. It’s one thing to make new signings and bolster the squad, but it’s even more crucial that the club hold onto their best players. Failing to hold onto Pickford could cost the Toffees dearly next season.