Jordan Pickford has courted controversy after a series of error-laden incidents and a hefty season-ending tackle – creating a clear case for him to be dropped.
His prominence in the public eye comes following the Merseyside derby on Saturday. Shortly after the Reds first took the lead, a back-post cross by Thiago towards Virgil van Dijk led Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to issue a heavy clattering challenge that recklessly left Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk injured.
It was later confirmed by the club that the Dutch international would require knee surgery and would be unavailable for a considerable period. Unsurprisingly, the challenge garnered a flurry of heated reaction and debate with one pundit claiming the Everton goalkeeper should be banned for as long as Van Dijk is out injured, calling Pickford’s lack of punishment “as disgraceful” as the challenge itself.
Controversially, a red card was not given due to the player being in an offside position despite VAR checking the challenge.
Whilst this controversy undoubtedly stains his record, it is not the most pressing issue that defines the case for him to be dropped even if just to give a chance to another goalkeeper.
Previously, Pickford was also subject to scrutiny for a series of error-prone moments. He had dropped the ball virtually to Neal Maupay’s feet to set up a goal in Everton’s win over Brighton, whilst gifting two goal in a Carabao Cup fixture against Joey Barton’s Fleetwood.
The goalkeeper has now made the joint-most errors leading to goals since the start of last season, with five along with Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka.
Everton have summer signing and Swedish international Robin Olsen to provide competition for Pickford, whilst the Toffees also have Jonas Lossl and Joao Virginia on their books.
Olsen, who is an experienced Swedish international, should be given a chance. His acquisition on loan from Roma serves as a useful pressure for Pickford to improve his game, and even a small trial spell of a game or two could be enough to spur on the England no. 1 to quash the errors that have come to define recent performances.
In the long term, it may benefit Pickford to have a spell away from the limelight of media and fan scrutiny while he aims on honing his skills.
Pickford still shows his qualities in his performances – but Everton’s strong recent performances are in spite of Pickford, not because of him.
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