Everton captain choice is perfect after Jordan Pickford moment v Chelsea
With Seamus Coleman out injured, Frank Lampard had to appoint a temporary new Everton captain for the visit of Chelsea on Saturday (6 August).
Upon consideration, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was the man chosen to wear the armband and lead the side out into the new Premier League campaign at Goodison Park.
The England international was a standout performer as the Toffees resurrected their season and survived relegation in 2021-22 which has been rightfully rewarded.
And when Everton walked out to face Chelsea on the opening weekend of the new season, England’s number one immediately did something that proved Lampard’s choice the right one.
As detailed by the Liverpool Echo, Pickford instantly encouraged the raucous Goodison Park faithful to make as much noise as they possibly could and they remained right behind the team all the way to the final whistle.
Even though Jorginho’s penalty was enough to see Thomas Tuchel’s side take all three points back to the capital, it was an encouraging performance from the Toffees and one that was inspired by Pickford’s leadership with the armband.
Coleman’s senior status at Everton will see him keep the captaincy when he does play but there is no longer a worry that no suitable replacement is at the club when he decides to leave.
Pickford is perhaps the only player whose position is entirely safe at the club but Saturday’s gritty display will give Lampard and his troops a load of confidence after a slow start to the transfer window.
More new additions will come in soon enough to further bolster the quality and depth of the squad and it will only be after every incoming has been complete that anyone will get a true read of how good this side is and whether better fortunes can be expected to happen this time around.