Everton should give armband to Jordan Pickford after run-in with fan
Everton captain Seamus Coleman is coming towards the end of his playing career and the club needs to think about who is next in line.
There could be a number of candidates including Michael Keane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin or even homegrown Anthony Gordon but maybe there is an alternative option.
It is unusual to see a goalkeeper given the captain’s armband but perhaps Jordan Pickford is who should don it next at Goodison Park.
He proved his mental toughness on Saturday as he attended Amir Khan vs Kell Brook following the Toffees’ 2-0 defeat to Southampton and ran into a football fan while there.
The supporters tormented the England international claiming Everton would get relegated but he stood up and composed himself to turn his back on the man in a very mature act [Daily Mail].
Some more short-tempered people would have snapped at the direct torment Pickford was being subjected to but his ability to rise above the childish supporter is exactly the calm head needed as captain.
He might be a little more irate on the pitch whenever his defence doesn’t protect him as they should but the ability to turn the anger on and off is important in being a leader.
Some players will react well to that anger while others will feel the pressure and if he can switch quickly depending on who he is dealing with, then he should be given the armband.
Coleman already has that ability and the two have been playing together for a number of years so he will have certainly rubbed off on Pickford.
Frank Lampard needs to make his decision soon if the Irishman leaves or retires and Pickford is doing all the right things to get the skipper’s place.
In other Everton news, Alan Shearer has slammed the Toffees’ performance against Southampton which saw them drop closer to the drop zone.