Joao Virginia left Everton back in June after his contract on Merseyside expired.
The Portuguese glovesman only made eight appearances for Everton across seven years with the Toffees due to the immense consistency and availability of Jordan Pickford – who is still delivering the goods under David Moyes this season.
Rather than show any bitterness towards the man who partly caused his career to stagnate, Joao Virginia has instead kept in touch with the England international, praising the Everton No.1 on Instagram after he recorded his tenth Premier League clean sheet of the campaign.
Should Jordan Pickford now be considered one of the world’s best goalkeepers? 🤔
Gary Lineker is adamant he should 👀
A custom image showing a quote from Gary Lineker about Jordan Pickford.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images, and Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Joao Virginia tells Jordan Pickford he is “on fire”
Pickford recorded his tenth clean sheet in 29 Premier League appearances this term after the 2-0 win over Burnley on Tuesday, which is an excellent return.
After Everton posted about the accomplishment on Instagram along with footage of his remarkable save from Lyle Foster, Virginia – who Benfica also wanted – took notice and sent his old teammate a message, writing “on fire JP” while also adding two emojis, one showing fire and another of two hands applauding.
Pickford – who even Eddie Howe praised after that save against Newcastle – has only conceded 33 goals in those 29 Premier League appearances as well.
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As Everton sit just five points away from fifth place, few can take as much credit for that league position as the 31-year-old can.
Jordan Pickford approaching Tim Howard record
This is the sixth time Pickford has kept ten clean sheets in a Premier League season for Everton, a highly impressive feat considering this is only his ninth campaign since moving from Sunderland in June 2017.
Only Neville Southall and Tim Howard have managed to keep ten clean sheets in more league seasons than Pickford, with the latter doing it on seven occasions while the legendary Welshman did it 12 times.
Is this genuinely realistic…🤔
Everton vs Liverpool stat.
So, if the man born in Washington can do it again for Everton next season, he will match Howard on the list.
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