The team spirit and unity at Everton is phenomenal, with the turnaround in attitude completely unforeseen.
In recent years, it has almost felt like a dark cloud has loomed over Goodison Park, leading players to appear uninterested and sluggish and in turn disconnecting those stars from their fans.
The relentless turmoil and relegation dogfights certainly didn’t aid in that relationship either, which had seemingly been broken down to a point many thought was beyond repair.
That was, however, before Sean Dyche had entered the building.
His work in revolutionising the Toffees, both on and off the pitch, is there for all to see. At last, the playing staff are all fighting for one another, and every tackle, clearance and key moment is celebrated like a goal.
Everton FC v Chelsea FC – Premier League
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James Tarkowski sought to outline that dramatic change, live on TalkSPORT this morning, first describing the complicated but brilliant relationship he shares with Jordan Pickford.
He told Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling (12/12/2023, 9:20 am): ‘Oh he’s an outstanding goalkeeper, we fall out all the time on the pitch, he never shuts up shouting at me, but no he’s been exceptional.
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‘I was always playing with Nick Pope and thought he was an excellent goalkeeper, but I can really see why he’s England’s number one because he’s he’s absolutely top.’
Is Jordan Pickford an Everton legend?
Whilst it might be hard to brand the 29-year-old a legend just yet, he is certainly going about achieving such a status in the right way.
After all, the England international has stuck with Everton through thick and thin, despite comfortably being at a level far beyond that of consistent relegation battles.
Signed from Sunderland in 2017, the young shot-stopper took a while to mature as his rash and reckless behaviour often got the better of him on the pitch.
However, at last he seems to have found some stability, with his fine performances of late only aided by the resolute defence Dyche has created in front of him.
Pickford has kept three clean sheets on the run, with his Everton side only second behind Arsenal for clean sheets kept all campaign in the Premier League.
This is certainly aided by the calmness he brings, with the £30m star managing 2.5 saves per game whilst remaining exemplary with his feet.
Everton FC v Chelsea FC – Premier League
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He could have so easily jumped ship when things went sour for the Toffees, given his international pedigree would have surely earned him a move to a more harmonious and successful location.
And yet, he has stayed, as a loyal servant who has just hit 256 appearances for the club and counting.
Should he see out the rest of his career in Merseyside, maintaining the same form and perhaps engineering a turnaround that sees Everton even challenge for an honour or two, it would be hard to dismiss him as anything but a club legend.
