£125k-a-week Everton star now shortlisted for Premier League award

Jordan Pickford, the goalie for Everton, has been nominated for an award.

Jordan Pickford has been nominated for the Premier League’s official Save of the Month Award. Pickford made a spectacular save late in the game against Sheffield United to keep Oli McBurnie’s header out of the Everton net. The 29-year-old was also present to thwart the subsequent attempt.

The first part of this eye-catching double salvo was the more impressive, as Pickford threw himself through the air to palm McBurnie’s effort onto the crossbar.

Not only was the save an impressive athletic feat, it was also a crucial moment in the match. By preventing this 99th minute goal, Pickford ensured that the Toffees held on to earn a 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane.

This meant Sean Dyche’s side were able to record their first point of the Premier League season up to that point.

Everton still hugely reliant on Jordan Pickford

The Merseyside outfit paid £30 million to sign Pickford from Sunderland in 2017. The 55-cap England No. 1 has been an ever-present for Everton since then, amassing 245 appearances between the sticks for the club across all competitions.

The £125,000-a-week ‘keeper has also been named the club’s player of the season on two occasions, in 2018 and 2022. He is one of the club’s greatest assets.

Dyche will need Pickford to be consistently at his best again this season. His form will have a huge impact on Everton’s ability to retain their Premier League status. They also desperately need him to stay fit, as neither Joao Virginia or Andy Lonergan inspire much confidence as back up options.

The other goalkeepers to be nominated for the monthly prize are Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario, Manchester City’s Ederson, Arsenal’s David Raya, Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez, and Liverpool’s Alisson Becker. The winner will be announced on October 13th.