With the 2024-25 season coming to a close, we are into our season review series with a look at the goalkeepers and how they did this season. All data is from FotMob.
As the season ends and we reflect on where we have been, it is also important to look at what needs to be done for next season. When it comes to the goalkeeper, Everton are in a very solid position with England’s number one playing every minute of the season although the future has been complicated by the release of both Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic. The first rumours of a replacement appeared recently with Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper being linked. They young keeper would be an excellent understudy for Pickford. The question is whether he wants to give up the starting role he currently holds.
Everton FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Jordan Pickford
PL Appearances - 38 GA - 44 PSxG - 48.8 **SoTA -**163 Save% - 73.0 GA90 - 1.16
Doing the season review for Jordan Pickford is quite easy. Cut from last year and then paste it in. However, what has to be said is that his early career moments of madness have been virtually eliminated and his consistency over the season is excellent. His goals against has dropped from 51 to 44 and his stats compared to other goalies is stellar.
In the Premier League, he was 1st in GK Player Rating (7.24), MOTMs among GKs, Goals Prevented (6.2), PK Save % (100), and 2nd in MOTM (8) for all players, 3rd in Clean Sheets (12) and Save % (73.5). Numbers don’t lie.
Pickford has a contract until June 2027 and he ended the season captaining the side. Everton has lots of player dealing to do this summer but getting him to sign an extended contract would be a piece of business that should be done next year. He is only 31 and in goalkeeper years that is young. He may not have won player of the year for a 4th season but it was his best so far.
Grade: A
Joao Virginia
After arriving from Arsenal in 2018, the young Portuguese keeper was third choice keeper and was given opportunities to progress with loan spells at Sporting Lisbon and Dutch side Cambuur. This season, Virginia was presented with the unenviable opportunity to be the understudy to Pickford. He was aware that his opportunities would be limited to cup competitions which did give him the chance to play three times; once in the FA Cup, once in the Carabao Cup and an appearance in the EFL Trophy.
Virginia has come to the end of his contract and he is clearly ready to give up his second string role and become a first choice keeper. I am sure there will be many teams that will be ready to offer him a contract as he has always shown commitment and a willingness to improve. At 25, he has earned this chance and we wish him well. Ultimately, he arrived when Pickford was in his prime not unlike Bobby Mimms or Jim Arnold who watched Big Nev.
“Often you have to wait for an opportunity, an injury or a suspension. You play the cups, you do your best. I think I have done a great job. But now it is time to go and play. I feel I have to do it. I am at an age where I need to play, I don’t want to be number two forever.”
Grade: Incomplete
Click here forthe full 2024-25 Everton Season Review series where we recap every aspect of the campaign that just ended.