Ronald Koeman: 'Jordan Pickford is proving value for money'

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has praised Jordan Pickford's contribution for the Toffees after the goalkeeper saved a penalty against Hajduk Split in the Europa League.

With 26 minutes remaining, Hajduk required three goals to remain in the tie, and Pickford kept the scoreline at 1-1 on the night with an intervention down to his right to deny Said Ahmed Said.

It ultimately proved decisive as Everton coasted through the closing minutes to seal their place in the group stage of the competition, and Koeman was quick to credit the former Sunderland stopper after paying a reported £30m for his services in the summer.

The 54-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "The penalty save was key as well because there were still 30 minutes to go at that time. Jordan is showing that we made the right decision to sign him. He is still a young goalkeeper and I have been really impressed by what he's done from day one here.

"It is an important position in the team. There's a big future for Everton and a big future for him."

Earlier in the match in Croatia, Gylfi Sigurdsson had netted with a 50-yard volley to cancel out Josip Radosevic's 30-yard effort just before half time.