Jordan Pickford admits becoming ‘calmer’ has helped Everton improvement
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has admitted that becoming calmer has helped him to improve in the Premier League.
The England international has come under criticism in recent seasons at Goodison Park but has certainly improved during this campaign.
Pickford is prone to the occasional error or erratic moment, with that tackle on Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk a clear example.
Speaking in an official Q&A on the Everton website, Pickford singled out the areas he needs to continually improve in.
“There are techniques to help you be calmer and that is something I have been working on,” he admitted.
“I am a little bit calmer in decision-making, I think. I still have to be demanding of my teammates but never demand in the wrong way.
“I demand to try to help us be our best on the pitch.”
Pickford has certainly improved this season.
Statistically, though, Pickford has a shocking average in terms of preventing goals according to WyScout and has conceded more than he should have.
The Toffees defence has improved ahead of him, meaning that there have been fewer clear-cut chances at goal – something that takes the pressure off Pickford’s shoulders.
Hugo Lloris has actually faced 12 more shots than Pickford, showing the defensive improvement under Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti has stuck by Pickford since arriving, and that influence could have been critical to helping the keeper save his Everton career moving forward.
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