BBC Sport journalist wowed by ‘outstanding’ Jordan Pickford, Everton star has ‘matured on every level’
Everton ace Jordan Pickford has “matured on every level,” according to BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty.
The goalkeeper joined the Toffees from Sunderland in 2017, and has made almost 250 appearances for the Merseyside outfit.
Pickford also boasts 55 England caps, and has been included in Gareth Southgate’s squad once again for this month’s matches against Australia and Italy.
Selecting his England Golden Generation, McNulty wrote for BBC Sport: “Pickford has been remarkably consistent for England and outstanding for Everton, even throughout their desperate struggles.
“He has matured on every level and would be one of the few who gets the nod ahead of the 2004 vintage England team.”
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Pickford has certainly had his negative moments in goal, but those have been massively outweighed by the positive ones he has had between the sticks.
The goalkeeper has shone for club and country in recent years, with his displays for Everton and England deserving huge credit.
For the former, he has had so much to do given his club’s struggles in recent years, with the shot-stopper also deserving praises for remaining loyal to the Merseyside outfit, when a move away to a better club was definitely on the cards.
For the latter, he has perhaps been less busy given the talented players playing in front of him, but he has remained switched on at all times, and has produced several stunning saves on the biggest stages.
Fortunately, both Everton and England look certain to keep Pickford among their ranks for years to come, with the player in no immediate danger of losing his place in either team.
In other Everton news, a BBC Sport journalist has mooted an international “breakthrough” for one Toffees youngster.