Everton: ‘Centre of attention’ verdict shared on Jordan Pickford, goalkeeper ‘enjoys the boos’
Everton goalkeeper has a desire to be the “centre of attention” on the pitch, according to Rory Smith, chief soccer correspondent of The New York Times.
The journalist believes the England international “enjoys” the boos and jeers of opposition supporters when playing for the Toffees.
The goalkeeper, who arrived at Goodison Park from Sunderland in 2017, has made almost 250 appearances for the Merseyside outfit.
“I don’t know if there is a link between his very obvious showman streak and his performances, to be perfectly honest,” Smith said on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club (4 September). “I’d like there to be, but I’m not sure there is.
“I think he does have that desire – and I don’t mean this as a criticism really – to be the centre of attention maybe, that some goalkeepers don’t necessarily have. Pickford quite enjoys the boos of the crowd, or the jeers of the crowd, but he feels he needs that to perform to his best.
“I think he has his flaws as a goalkeeper but I don’t think they are related to the fact that he tends to be quite a kind of magnetic presence.”
Constant antics
It is no secret that Pickford has his enemies when it comes to opposition supporters, with Liverpool fans perhaps leading the way in that regard.
Goalkeepers often take plenty of criticism from supporters due to their proximity throughout matches, but Pickford may just be in and around the top of the list when it comes to creating a commotion.
The England international’s antics were under the spotlight in his club’s recent clash against Sheffield United, with Pickford scoring an unfortunate own goal in the 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane on Saturday (2 September).
But he soon went from zero to hero for the Toffees with a superb double save to rescue a point for his side in second-half stoppage time, following his actions up with a cheeky smile to home supporters.
As long as the goalkeeper continues to make top saves, Everton manager Sean Dyche won’t care too much about what Pickford gets up to the rest of the time.
In other Everton news, the Toffees plan to reintegrate an angry player barring an unexpected late change, according to David Ornstein.