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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Timothy Abraham

Four key Everton players who can hold heads high regardless of survival or relegation

Everton have endured a difficult season - on and off the pitch - as the 2022-23 campaign reaches its climax.

The Blues face Bournemouth at Goodison Park in their final game of the season on Sunday when they will either secure their Premier League status or suffer a first relegation from the top flight since 1950-51.

Despite many underwhelming performances on the pitch, there are a number of those who have pulled on a Blue shirt between now and last August that deserve to hold the heads up high irrespective of whether the Blues stay up or go down.

Everton's player of the season award is a still tricky choice, though. so the ECHO's writers have put their heads together and narrowed down the contenders to a shortlist of four players.

Now we want your YOUR vote on who deserves to win the accolade for 2022-23. You can vote for your Everton player of the season using our selector below and continue to read a bit more about the leading candidates.

Alex Iwobi

From the target of the boo boys to a fans' favourite, it has been another impressive campaign for Alex Iwobi. No matter what position he plays, the former Arsenal man has shown great quality on the ball and was his side's standout performer before the World Cup. Indeed it is form he carried over from the end of the last campaign, but Iwobi deserves credit for maintaining his standards when many of his team-mates have not.

Dwight McNeil

The winger’s arrival sparked mixed reactions. Supporters could see his potential but were worried by his failure to claim a goal or an assist during the whole of last season. There was a difficult start and false dawns, but McNeil kept working and emerged as an integral player who provided crucial goals. The winner against Brentford and his exceptional display at Brighton were vital contributions from a player who won over an initially sceptical fanbase.

GET INVOLVED: Should another Everton player have been on the shortlist? Let us know in the comments section

Jordan Pickford

Everton’s goalkeeper stepped up again when his club needed him, on and off the pitch. This was a season littered with exceptional saves and, while there were tricky moments, they were rare considering the pressure he was constantly under. His commitment to a new deal with the club in crisis should not go unnoticed and his displays in the Goodison Merseyside derby and at Brighton were world class. Pickford is too good for relegation battles.

James Tarkowski

The defender recently revealed he has no regrets over his decision to join Everton last summer. Tarkowski was Frank Lampard’s first summer signing last June, joining on a free transfer from Burnley. Although the Blues may have struggled, he certainly hasn't. Prepared to put his body on the line and give his all for the club, the centre-back has also shown real leadership skills and is one of the first names on the team sheet.

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