David Moyes has dismissed any concern over a World Cup hangover for Jordan Pickford after the goalkeeper’s decisive contribution to Everton’s opening-day victory over Crystal Palace.
Pickford returned to club duty less than two weeks before the Premier League season began following England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals.
The 32-year-old faced scrutiny after Argentina’s equaliser in England’s eventual 2-1 defeat, but showed no sign of being affected on his Everton return.
With Saturday’s game still goalless, Pickford produced an outstanding fingertip save to deny Eddie Nketiah after the Palace striker had been released by Adam Wharton.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall subsequently gave Everton the lead before Thierno Barry completed the 2-0 victory after half-time.
Moyes impressed by Pickford’s condition
“It was brilliant from Jordan,” Moyes said after the game.
The Everton manager was particularly pleased with the work Pickford had completed during the short period between his return from the World Cup and the start of the domestic season.
Moyes said the goalkeeper had looked “as sharp as a tack” in training and returned in lean condition.
Pickford’s intervention proved especially important given the inexperience within Everton’s side. Harrison Armstrong, Tyrique George and debutant Hayden Hackney all started, while Moyes was without Christian Nørgaard and Tim Iroegbunam.
Palace had already created several good opportunities and taking the lead would have forced Everton’s younger players to chase the game.
Instead, Pickford gave them the platform to settle before Dewsbury-Hall’s finish changed the contest.
It was a brilliant response from Everton’s number one after what had been a demanding summer.
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