Garth Crooks names Jordan Pickford in his Premier League team of the week
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has named Jordan Pickford in his Premier League team of the week and feels his game has changed since Frank Lampard’s Everton arrival.
Pickford now holds the best defensive record in the Premier League after another solid display in Everton’s 2-1 at Southampton on Saturday (1 October).
Crooks feels that his second-half stop to prevent Adam Armstrong was vital in helping secure the victory and lift the Toffees to 11th in the league standings.
Crooks wrote in his BBC Sport team of the week column [2 October]: “The save from Adam Armstrong midway through the second half was a game changer. England’s number one then stood up and parried a stinging shot from Kyle Walker-Peters without the slightest hint of any heroics.
“Something has happened to Jordan Pickford’s game since the arrival of Frank Lampard at Goodison Park. The goalkeeper has not only been in good form but has instilled real confidence in his defence.
“Everton were in desperate need of this victory at Southampton and it puts them on the same number of points as Liverpool, which rather says as much about their neighbours as it does about them.”
Vital player
Pickford’s form this season has been nothing short of sensational and Crooks is right in his assessment of how he has improved since Lampard’s arrival on Merseyside.
The 28-year-old has always been known to have rash moments in him, but this season feels very different. He’s been commanding, assured and composed in vital moments for the Toffees.
Evertonians will be delighted with Pickford but also concerned with his current contract situation at Goodison Park. His current deal comes to a close in the summer of 2024 and there have already been some admiring glances from elsewhere in the Premier League.
It has been suggested by The Telegraph (24 September) that Manchester United are among the clubs monitoring Pickford, with David De Gea’s contract at Old Trafford now in its final year.
However, if Everton continue their solid and impressive start to the season, then there is every chance that Pickford will opt to extend his stay at the club and continue his impressive career on Merseyside and on the international stage for England.