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Everton end-of-season awards: Best player, biggest flop, most improved and more - opinion

Everton have one final game to play against Newcastle United before they can put their feet up for the summer break.

It has been a testing campaign which saw David Moyes return to Merseyside and drag the Blues to Premier League safety.

The Friedkins are ready to splash their cash this summer in what is their first real opportunity to spend at the club.

Going into the final game of the season, Everton are guaranteed to finish in 13th place, which is some turnaround from their relegation battle.

It has been a season of highs and lows as Everton bid farewell to Goodison Park last weekend.

Brighter times are certainly ahead under the Friedkins, but the Everton News writers have now cast their votes for the end-of-season awards.

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Player of the Season

Brogan Clasper: Jordan Pickford

The England number one has enjoyed another stunning campaign. Jamie Carragher hailed Pickford as Everton’s best player recently and there is no doubt he is one of the players who TFG have to base the squad around.

Mark Marston: Idrissa Gana Gueye

The most consistent performer in what’s been a pretty turbulent season. The veteran still gets around the pitch better than most in the Premier League and Moyes will be hopeful of tying him down to a new deal.

Harry Dimond: James Tarkowski

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He’s gone under the radar heavily and has been consistent all season round. Ten clean sheets and his absence from the defence has been telling in recent games. Obviously, he scored that goal as well.

Tom Proctor: Idrissa Gana Gueye

The fact he can still turn in these tenacious performances week in, week out like he does at the age of 35 is remarkable.

Goal of the Season

BC: James Tarkowski vs Liverpool

MM: James Tarkowski vs Liverpool

HD: James Tarkowski vs Liverpool

TP: James Tarkowski vs Liverpool

Let’s be honest, there is no explanation needed for this.

James Tarkowski earned the nickname ‘paintbrush’ for that goal in what was the final-ever Merseyside Derby to be held at Goodison Park.

It would be rude not to take another look at it.

Surprise Package of the Season

BC: Jake O’Brien

For a player who was not given a chance by Sean Dyche, O’Brien has looked a natural in the Everton side under Moyes.

Moyes has O’Brien playing at right-back which is perhaps why he has to be Everton’s Surprise Package of the Season.

MM: Orel Mangala

He arrived with very little fanfare but quickly established himself as fan favourite up until his injury.

HD: Jake O’Brien

To play at right-back at 6’6 is tricky but he has done it flawlessly and considering he was a nobody under Dyche, it’s been a massive surprise.

TP: Jake O’Brien

Who knew he’d be able to play as a right-back so convincingly?

Signing of the Season

BC: Iliman Ndiaye

Iliman Ndiaye has really impressed at Everton, with Gary Neville even singing his praises in recent weeks. Not only has he arguably been Everton’s best player this season, but he looks like a signing who could play an important role for years to come.

MM: Iliman Ndiaye

Magical footballer who gets fans of their seats.

HD: Iliman Ndiaye

£15m. Need I see any more?

TP: Iliman Ndiaye

After hitting a very respectable 11 league goals in his first season, Ndiaye has been a top addition and someone Moyes must look to build around.

Most Improved Player of the Season

After being left out in the cold by Sean Dyche, Beto was looking to leave Everton in January. Having been handed the opportunity by Moyes, the 26-year-old now looks like a real key part of the starting XI.

Moyes has been able to get a tune out of the big frontman and his all round play has dramatically improved.

His ability on the ball has improved massively from a dire first season under Dyche. His run of five goals in four games under Moyes shows he can remain consistent and he’ll be one to watch next season.

He didn’t get much of a look in under Dyche, but has looked a different player under Moyes, scoring seven Premier League goals.

Flop of the Season

BC: Armando Broja

This may be seen as extremely harsh by some because it has been injuries to keep Broja out of the side, but what a dreadful piece of business from the Blues. Everton will not sign Broja for £30m after what has been a complete waste of money in wages.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

MM: Jack Harrison

Clearly has a great attitude, as Moyes recently said, but his output just hasn’t been good enough.

HD: Jesper Lindstrom

Arrived with promise as a creative outlet with the hope he could replicate his form at Frankfurt but ultimately he hasn’t proven to show any signs of that with just one goal contribution all season long.

TP: Jack Harrison

Plenty of opportunities for the winger but ultimately offered very little substance in the final third, scoring just one goal and supplying one assist all season.

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