By Elliott Cuff

10th Mar, 2021 | 4:27pm

View: Recent Pickford form can solve long-term Everton issue

Since returning from a short injury lay-off last month, Jordan Pickford has found himself in a purple patch of form for Everton.

The England international goalkeeper has performed marvellously in recent weeks, setting numerous season-best records while routinely pulling off top class saves.

Pickford even set a couple of season-best records in the Toffees’ 2-0 loss to Chelsea on Monday, making six reflex saves and seven saves in total, both of which rank highest among his Premier League performances this season [WyScout].

Since Pickford returned to the starting line-up for Everton, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have kept three clean sheets and only conceded three goals in five Premier League fixtures.

Prior to this season, there had been discussion among fans and pundits concerning Pickford’s ability between the sticks, with Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane saying he’s “not a good goalkeeper” back in March 2020.

However, Pickford’s recent form has suggested that the former Sunderland man may have turned a new leaf on Merseyside.

Loan shot-stopper Robin Olsen has made it clear that he wants to remain an Everton player on a permanent basis [The Liverpool Echo], and it has been suggested that the club will pursue a permanent move in the summer.

However, the Swede could struggle to feature if Pickford continues his rich vein of form, in spite of Ancelotti’s preference to rotate his options.

Whether Pickford or Olsen have played this season, at no point has it ever really been clear which goalkeeper was to be Ancelotti’s long-term first choice, even though Pickford probably edges it for the time being.

Given his recent performances though Pickford has made a strong case that he deserves a starting spot, and that may have also eased concerns over who Everton’s long-term No. 1 could be.

In other Everton news, Everton’s reported bid for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot signals positive summer intentions.