Jordan Pickford’s recent blunders should put Everton on red alert, but Marco Silva’s goalkeeper crisis can be resolved with Stoke City’s Jack Butland.
What’s the word?
Pickford went from strength-to-strength upon his arrival at Goodison Park after relegation with his childhood Sunderland side, topped by a key role in England’s glorious 2018 World Cup quest.
But since the Premier League returned to action, the 24-year-old has been at fault for as many goals as any other player in England’s top-flight – only Bournemouth and Arsenal’s shot-stoppers, Asmir Begovic and Bernd Leno, had as many heading into the Boxing Day fixtures.
Two of the Toffees’ number one’s mishaps have proved costly beyond the points, as well, with the Merseyside Derby slipping in Liverpool’s favour with the final worthwhile touch of the game and defeat to Manchester City highlighting a lack of leadership in the ranks.
A possible cause for Pickford’s mental lapses could be a lack of serious competition for the role.
Maarten Stekelenburg is the only other senior goalkeeper on Everton’s books, while 22-year-old Mateusz Hewelt and Arsenal product Joao Virginia are yet to play a first-team game.
Stekelenburg, now 36 years of age, will never rival Pickford for a starting spot, but Stoke City star Butland can.
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Why Jack Butland?
The Potters £19.8million rated goalie had kept eight clean sheets heading into Boxing Day, and remains a top-tier talent despite his side’s relegation to the Championship last season.
His relegation did not affect his World Cup call-up, and nor should it cause Everton to hesitate to lure the 25-year-old to Goodison Park.
The Toffees showed they were not afraid to splash out on a goalkeeper who had just been relegated when they signed Pickford for £30million, and Stoke’s man can ensure his international teammate stays on his toes knowing he could be replaced if his performances do not pick up.
Prior to Boxing Day, Butland had recorded 66 saves in the Championship, and is capable of playing out from the back with 258 accurate short passes.
Any move, unfortunately, would cost Everton a high figure, with The Telegraph reporting Stoke aim to hold off any bid under £50million.
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