Jordan Pickford could become first-ever Everton goalkeeper to win Premier League award
Joe Hart and Petr Cech share the record for the most Golden Glove awards since the 2004/05 season with four – but an Everton goalkeeper is yet to be involved.
The award has been dominated by Brazil in recent seasons, with Liverpool’s Alisson or Manchester City’s Ederson keeping the most Premier League clean sheets in four out of the last five campaigns.
And although there is still over half of the season left to play, there is potential for Jordan Pickford to be the first Everton player in history to earn the trophy.
The England international is currently atop the list of clean sheets among goalkeepers in the Premier League, tied on six with Manchester United’s Andre Onana.
In addition to this, outside of the top four clubs, Everton have conceded the least number of goals in the league. Of the 20 goals conceded in 17 matches, Pickford has conceded an xG of 22.14. So thanks to his acrobatic saves, the 29-year-old is outperforming the number of goals he should have conceded. [FotMob]
There are several shot-stoppers snapping at Pickford’s heels, though.
Bernd Leno, Gugliemo Vicario, Sam Johnstone, Nick Pope, Alisson and David Raya are all tied on five clean sheets, and could all potentially overtake the Toffees ‘keeper.
However, Everton’s recent upturn in form has seen Pickford rocket to the top of the standings. Following the 10-point deduction due to a Profit and Sustainability breach and an unusual showing against Man United, Everton won four consecutive games, all to nil.
With two of those victories coming against Newcastle United and Chelsea, it is clear that Everton are capable of dismantling nearly any team this season, despite sitting in 16th.
Minus the point deduction, Everton would be sat comfortably in the top half of the league above the likes of Chelsea, Fulham and Brentford. If their season continues like this, there is every possibility that Pickford could carve his name into the history books.
Not only would he be the first Everton goalkeeper in history to win the award, but also the first English ‘keeper since Hart in 2014/15 to achieve the feat, which could have important repercussions ahead of EURO 2024 in Germany.
In other Everton news, Micah Richards and Gary Lineker obsessed over Everton with a league title shout.