Everton: Garth Crooks gushes over 'outstanding' Jordan Pickford v Burnley

Garth Crooks has gushed over Everton star Jordan Pickford after his "outstanding" performances in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle and the 1-0 win against Burnley in the past week.

Crooks explained how intense the pressure must be on England's number one given the stage of the season and the stakes at hand where one mistake could cost the team.

Pickford has kept nine clean sheets this season, second only to league-leading Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with 12, and his performances have been vital to keeping the relegation fight alive.

Writing via his BBC Sport Team of the Week, Crooks gushed: "The Premier League is entering into a period of games where if you are a player, or football fan for that matter, incapable of holding your nerve then I suggest you stay at home for the next few weeks.

"What the pressure must be like for a goalkeeper, when the slightest mistake could be costly, especially at this stage in the season, is almost unimaginable. However, it must help when you've faced the threat of relegation before and Pickford seems very comfortable in such circumstances.

"His performance in a midweek draw at Newcastle was outstanding and he then kept a clean sheet in a very nervy encounter - a 1-0 win at home to Burnley on Saturday."

Jordan Pickford receives high praise for display v Burnley

Praise for the Everton shot-stopper seems to come sporadically, which when you consider his influence on the team and how consistently impressive his displays have been, is bizarre, particularly given his profile and attitude.

Such is the life of a goalkeeper, though, and as Crooks points out, the pressure on his position can be immense at this stage of the season when even the slightest mistake could cost the team entirely, as proven by Burnley keeper Arijanet Muric.

Pickford has stepped up once again in recent weeks, despite the pressure of a relegation battle and looming threat of points deductions which he has previously admitted can take its toll on the mindset in the dressing room.

He has also retained his status as the first-choice goalkeeper under Gareth Southgate for England and will, barring an injury, be one of the first names on the team sheet at the European Championships in Germany this summer.

In other Everton news, Gabby Agbonlahor shared a relegation claim live on talkSPORT.

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