Everton boss Sam Allardyce believes Jordan Pickford has strengthened his grip on England’s No.1 goalkeeping spot ahead of this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
Allardyce argues that Pickford fully deserves his shot, not just because of his impressive display against the Netherlands last week, but also because of his consistent performances for Everton this season, despite the club’s troubles.
Pickford has arguably been the Toffees’ best player this season, and certainly has already paid off his transfer fee in spades. Given the failings of competitors Joe Hart and Jack Butland in recent months, Pickford’s performances both domestically and internationally have only seen his stock grow.
The 24-year old has shipped in 50 Premier League goals this season, but that figure is warped by an ageing and painfully inconsistent defensive unit in front of him. Allardyce also supports that idea, suggesting that the poor statistic reflects the team’s struggles as a whole, and not the ‘keeper’s form. Allardyce said;
He’s given Gareth a lot to think about with his performance the other night and his performances for us.
People go on about him conceding a lot of goals for Everton but that is not the statistic you look at. You look at the saves he makes.
He’s been far too busy on too many occasions for us but we have managed to reduce that during my time here from over two goals per game to 1.2 per game.
He’s there when needed, he’s always been there when needed. All players make mistakes but his are few and far between.
Allardyce credits Pickford’s fast development to the perks of playing outside of the academy system, continuing by saying;
Jordan has had the pressure of first-team football from a very early age.
He went out and played non-league, in League Two, the Championship, the Premier League and now at international level.
His grounding has been very good. He’s benefited from always playing at a competitive level rather than sitting in the under-23s for four or five years.
