BBC pundit Trevor Steven has poured praise on Jordan Pickford for the Everton shot-stopper’s Euro 2020 heroics.
The goalkeeper cut an indomitable and resolute figure as he kept the highest number of clean sheets of any goalkeeper at the tournament.
The only two goals he did concede – from Mikkel Damsgaard and Leonardo Bonucci – both came outside of open play.
Despite England ultimately coming undone in a penalty shootout with Italy to decide the eventual winner of the tournament, Pickford gave the shootout his all and managed two impressive saves to deny Andrea Belotti and Jorginho from twelve yards.
Trevor Steven – who won the league with Everton – spoke about Pickford’s performances to the BBC [via Goodison News]:
“He’s had his ups and downs but he’s always been a top-level goalkeeper with sometimes a lack of maturity about the way he plays 90 minutes.
“But what we saw in the latter part of Everton’s season and being England’s number one, he was so much calmer than we’ve seen him.
“His distribution was excellent. His save making was excellent. He was so unlucky when [Leonardo] Bonucci scored because he made a terrific safe initially.”
Read Everton Verdict
Since the 2018 World Cup, Gareth Southgate has long-trusted the Everton shot-stopper to deliver for his country – and that faith could not have been repaid any better.
With 5 clean sheets and just two goals conceded all tournament, Pickford has served as an exemplary ambassador of the club.
Proving his doubters wrong, the sweeper keeper will be looking to continue his ascendency over to next season under the tutelage of Rafa Benitez.
Adept on the ball and launching attacks, the modern and dynamic ‘keeper is justifying his £30 million price tag.
