Signing backup goalkeepers never tends to quicken the pulse of football supporters, although for Everton that position in the squad has proven to be an important one this season.
The Toffees landed Robin Olsen on loan from Roma last summer and in doing so they provided starting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with some serious competition for the first time in his Everton career.
So perhaps it’s no surprise that according to reports, the Toffees are looking to bring the Sweden international back again next season.
Corriere dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness) write that Everton may attempt to loan Olsen again next season, with the suggestion being he has “done his job” in 2020-21.
While Everton do have more pressing matters to resolve in the coming weeks, getting the goalkeeper back again feels like a smart move. The 31-year-old made seven appearances in the Premier League for the Toffees and largely performed well, with one standout display against Leeds United helping the team to a vital away win.
But where Olsen has arguably had the biggest impact is on Pickford.
The fact that manager Carlo Ancelotti showed early in the campaign that he trusted Olsen enough to play him in Premier League games immediately added a sense of jeopardy to the England international’s position as the undisputed Everton starter between the sticks.
Late in the campaign in particular, there’s been a renewed focus and maturity from Pickford, as he’s enjoyed arguably the best spell of his Everton career to date.
It’s likely Olsen’s presence, be it offering a serious alternative or a high-quality training partner day in and say out, has had something to do with that upturn. And given the Swede has proven he too can perform to a high standard in the Premier League, it’d be solid acquisition for the Merseyside club if they could tie Olsen down again.