Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford better suited for penalty shootout than Hugo Lloris – Alex Stepney
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is better than Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the penalty shootout, as per Alex Stepney.
The former Manchester United goalkeeper, who made over 430 appearances for the Red Devils in the 1960s and 1970s, has praised Pickford for making “crucial” saves against Senegal.
The Toffees keeper will make his 50th appearance for England as they face France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
“I will say this, that Pickford the other night has done very well and made two crucial saves, actually,” said Stepney in an interview with Sportingpedia.
“At the right time. And that’s what a goalkeeper has to do. If it’s nil nil, even though you might not be doing a lot in the game, but if you come up with that, you have to be the concentration levels have to be fantastic. Now with the race in the Premier League, obviously having the last two seasons, he’s made quite a few mistakes.”
When asked who is better between Pickford and Lloris in the shootout, he added, “Well, I would say Pickford, I would say I think he’s more stature. The only thing with penalties is I don’t like goalkeepers moving before the ball is kicked.”
Huge game
Pickford has been superb for both club and country in the past 18 months, but he is often underappreciated.
Stepney is absolutely spot on here. England dominated in the second half against Senegal and Pickford wasn’t challenged at all.
However, a great goalkeeper always rescues the game in crucial moments. Pickford made two brilliant saves and ensured that the scoreline remains 0-0. It set the platform for England to pick up a comfortable 3-0 win in the end.
Against France, it could be a different story. The reigning World champions are in great form, with Kylian Mbappe especially enjoying a fabulous tournament, with five goals.
Pickford will be thoroughly tested and hopefully, he will make the country proud.
There is also another sub-narrative here. Tottenham are reportedly looking to sign Pickford to replace their long-serving player Lloris in the summer [The Telegraph, 18 November].
Everton should keep hold of their star player and get his contract sorted at the earliest after the World Cup.