Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has recently been rewarded with a new contract for his consistent displays, but there is something he’s doing that may be going under the radar.
Over recent years of ups and downs at Everton, there has been one constant in their starting goalkeeper.
Pickford has shone for both club and country and the 31-year-old has now seen his efforts rewarded with a bumper new deal.
Seamus Coleman has praised Pickford’s Everton service on the back of the new contract being signed on Merseyside.
However, not everyone has been so positive about the former Sunderland goalkeeper, who has now spent eight years at Everton.
Darren Bent has urged Pickford to seek a ‘bigger club’ than Everton in suggesting he is too good for the Toffees.
With a number of pundits saying similar, Charlie Austin has now praised Pickford for something he feels may be going under the radar.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford vs Aston Villa.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Jordan Pickford hailed over what some won’t appreciate outside Everton
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The England number one has played a huge role in keeping Everton afloat in the Premier League over recent years.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, former Premier League striker Austin has hailed Pickford’s loyalty after a summer of player strikes.
“You could arguably say did bigger clubs want him, respectfully? Did they want him?” said Austin.
“Yes, he’s England’s number one etc, but the commitment he has shown to Everton on and off the pitch, his performances have been fantastic, he’s England’s number one and he has been for the last six-seven years.
“Jordan Pickford, what he has done at Everton has been phenomenal. All due respect to Pickford, he’s been brilliant at Everton. For everything that has gone on over the summer with how players act trying to get transfers, he’s shown that.”
Austin did suggest Manchester United should’ve signed Pickford, but there is a clear admiration for how the player was keen to stay at Everton.
With a strong defence in front of Pickford, it is clear that Everton’s issues lie further up the pitch, with goals coming at a premium.
Pickford shining for club and country
During the international break, Pickford was praised during England’s win over Latvia as he was surprisingly put to work.
The Washington-born shot stopper has been consistently brilliant for both club and country over the years and it may surprise some that a ‘bigger club’ has not made a real move for him.
Without him, at the weekend, Manchester City could have found the net a lot more times than just twice.
Five saves inside the box were made by the 31-year-old as the Everton goalkeeper establishes himself at the top for ‘big chances saved’ in the Premier League this season.
Pickford has also now gone a full calendar year without conceding a single goal for England.
Although the same cannot be said at Everton, Pickford remains a hugely important figure in the starting XI for the Blues.