Jordan Pickford became the most expensive English goalkeeper of all time when he joined Everton from Sunderland.
The November international break is a checkpoint which signals that we are roughly a third of the way through the season.
This is, in most cases, a long enough time for judgements to be made on the millions of pounds worth of summer signings.
Here we take a closer look at Everton’s capture of England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Ronald Koeman sacked, out of Europe and hovering above the relegation zone, it has been a disastrous start to the season for the Toffees, and it could have been even worse had it not been for their new number-one.
His stoppage-time penalty save in the 3-2 win over Watford could end up being the turning point of Everton’s season.
According to Sky Sports, Pickford cost an initial £25m from Sunderland – making him the most expensive English goalkeeper of all time. He is a long-term investment, but one who is making an immediate impact.
While his defence has crumbled around him, the 23-year-old has stood up tall, already establishing himself as a leader by example and one player that the new manager, whoever it may be, will be able to rely upon.
This is in stark contrast to the Everton stoppers of recent past. Maarten Stekelenburg, Joel Robles and Tim Howard were all culpable of the odd howler – a chink in his armour that Pickford is yet to display.
Pickford has played all but one Everton game this season and his performances convinced Gareth Southgate to hand him his England debut in the 0-0 draw with Germany, in which he put in another mature showing.
Should he continue his impressive form, Pickford could be England’s number one in Russia next summer.
Grade: B+
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