Often used as a scapegoat in previous seasons, Jordan Pickford has now earned the respect of his peers and fans alike, helping Everton to escape Premier League relegation on multiple occasions.

It is a goalkeeper’s job to be loud and demanding but he has also managed to pick up the image of being the class clown with his on-pitch antics throughout a near-seven-year stay at Goodison Park.

However, James Tarkowski has admitted to falling out with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford on the pitch all the time, which may cause some resentment at first, but all ends in smilesHe’s an outstanding goalkeeper,” Tarkowski said on talkSPORT (12 December). “We fall out half the time on the pitch because he never shuts up or stops shouting at me.

There is no doubt that Tarkowski would prefer an annoyingly loud, commanding goalkeeper of Pickford’s stature than a quiet one who is not capable of being assertive and dominant.

The 29-year-old may have his critics, especially with some of his behaviour towards away fans and frustrated strikers, but he has become a key part of Everton’s squad, missing just four league games since the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Toffees defender was very complimentary despite the disagreements between the two, comparing Pickford to his former goalkeeper Nick Pope.“He’s an exceptional goalkeeper. I used to play with Nick Pope and thought he was excellent but I can really see why he’s [Pickford] England’s No.1.”

Southgate is a huge fan of Pickford, choosing him over Pope, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone. And the past couple of seasons have shown exactly why.

It has been a rollercoaster of a stay at Goodison Park for Pickford but is finally reaping the rewards for his determination at Everton.

It could have been very easy to leave the club when the world was against him but he stuck it out instead and has now made over 250 appearances.