Big money is in the bank for an Everton star who could have left for Champions League play.

The reason Everton is still in the Premier League is because of Jordan Pickford. Michael Ball says Pickford has “massive credit in the bank” for both club and country.

The former Toffees defender backed the goalkeeper in his Liverpool Echo column on October 14. This came after more questions were raised about his place as England’s number one after a rough game against Greece on October 10 and Dean Henderson getting the start in the following 3-1 win over Finland on October 13.

Even though Pickford has had a rough season so far, Ball is sure that he is still the best option at both levels. He also talked about how important Pickford was at Goodison Park in the past, when he could have left for European football.

Ball wrote, “I think Jordan has a lot of friends at Everton, and I feel even better about England.” No doubt, Jordan is a big reason why England has done so well in recent events. Without him, I don’t think Everton would be in the Premier League.

He went on to say, “We could have lost Jordan to teams that could offer him Champions League football, but he seems to get Everton. He has immersed himself with the fans and understands the football club.” He’s had a slow start to the season, but so has everyone at Everton.

Pickford is still the best goalkeeper for Everton and England.

Pickford renewed his dedication to the club when he signed a new deal a year and a half ago, when relegation fears were at their highest. He also made it official before last season that he would definitely be staying.

A lot of people thought he might leave for a lot of money before that, just like Richarlison and, more recently, Amadou Onana, who had links to teams like Manchester United [Daily Mail].

As the first choice keeper for Everton, the 30-year-old has made some mistakes, but he has probably been under the most pressure of any player in recent years.

If he drops below par for a long time, he won’t last long, but Anthony Gordon’s amazing penalty save in the goalless draw with Newcastle on October 5—without star defender Jarrad Branthwaite—showed that he was getting back to his best for his club.

Alan Nixon wrote on September 15 that if he keeps going in that way, his manager might change his mind about going after a deal for Nick Pope in January [Alan Nixon].

Then, the chaotic game against Greece might have raised some new questions, so he will have to look at missing the win over Finland in a positive light and focus on his return to Toffees action at Ipswich on October 19.