Chris Sutton details ‘closely matched’ verdict on Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Arsenal rival Aaron Ramsdale
Chris Sutton has claimed Everton and Arsenal goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale are very closely matched after both played for England during the international break.
Sutton gave a specific situation involving a free-kick being whipped into the box in the 92nd minute of a tight game, and stated he would have Ramsdale over Pickford in that situation “every day of the week”.
The former Premier League striker claimed there are benefits to both players, but he would prefer to have Ramsdale in goal – an opinion he claims would be shared by “most people”.
Speaking on Mail Sport’s It’s All Kicking Off podcast on 14 September, Sutton stated: “So a free-kick whipped into the box in the 92nd minute of a tight game – who would you prefer in goal? I would have Ramsdale over Pickford every day of the week.
“I think he’s a more accomplished, safer goalkeeper. I think Pickford is a little bit cleaner but I don’t think Ramsdale is that bad with his feet.
“I think that both goalkeepers are very closely matched but if you were to choose one, I think most people would say they prefer Ramsdale over Pickford.”
It’s the manager’s decision that matters most
Ultimately, it’s Gareth Southgate’s decision that matters most, with the boss still seeing Everton’s keeper as his number one choice between the sticks for England. While Ramsdale continues to impress for Arsenal, Pickford has made that spot his own.
Pickford has always stepped up when called upon by the England boss, turning in multiple standout performances for his country, with his heroics ranging from saving penalties on the very biggest stage to commanding his defence and building from the back with his distribution.
Ramsdale’s performances for Arsenal have put him in with a shout of challenging Pickford, but as it stands that’s all he is doing. The Everton goalkeeper is, and will remain, the first choice in goal unless something drastic happens between now and next summer’s European Championship.
Sutton’s calls will likely fall on deaf ears. Ramsdale’s position as Arsenal’s first-choice shot-stopper will mean the masses are more favourable to him, but Pickford’s outstanding Everton showings will not go unnoticed.
In other Everton news, one player has now been given the green light to leave the club.