Sean Dyche calls on Jordan Pickford to CONTROL his emotions in Everton’s relegation battle… as he insists he has no worries about the goalkeeper’s future, amid reported interest from Manchester United and Tottenham
- Jordan Pickford has had another impressive campaign for Everton this year
- Sean Dyche has praised Pickford’s all-around game and current form
- However, he called his No 1 to ‘choose when to be emotional and quiet’
Sean Dyche wants Jordan Pickford to be the cool captain to help save Everton from relegation – again.
Pickford took the armband of injured Seamus Coleman and were in inspired form in their 5-1 win at Brighton last Monday which took Sean Dyche’s side from the bottom three. The 29-year-old’s only flaw in the game is over-excited at times and, ahead of today’s clash with Manchester City, Dyche reminded him that the rest of the squad look up to him as a role model.
“Pickford has athleticism, shot-stopping, speed in the zone and a lot of experience. It’s a very good goalkeeper’s package,” Dyche said of his England No.1. “I told him he could choose when to be emotional and turn people on and when to be calm. He is getting older and wiser in his professional outlook and other players will be watching. You can see the image of the game as a goalkeeper. I’ve never spoken to goalkeepers about technical handling but I’ve always spoken to them about tactical understanding because they see it better as they get older.
“They can continue to improve their game by looking at defensive planning and organization. Can you stop the ball even when approaching you? The best goalkeepers have done it well over the years.
One of Pickford’s strengths is his passing range, which convinced Gareth Southgate to play him at the World Cup ahead of Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope, who also worked for Dyche at Burnley.
Sean Dyche called on Jordan Pickford to control his emotions in Everton’s relegation battle
Pickford has been in fine form for the Toffees in recent weeks, making several stunning saves
“He hits a really good ball,” Dyche said. “I remember his delivery was fantastic even as a young kid when he played against Burnley for Preston.
“Manchester City play with extra fire when Ederson drills them from long distance and that’s something we’ve definitely talked about with Jordan.” Why wouldn’t you? This is the modern side of football. I want good football but also effective football. He will certainly have to play well against City. Usually your goalie has to make saves against them.
Manchester United are among the clubs reportedly keeping tabs on Pickford, but Dyche sees no problem with his loyalty. “He has just signed a very long-term contract, so it’s a good sign that he wants to be here,” added the Everton boss.
Pickford was Everton’s best player when they beat the drop on the penultimate matchday of last season and Dyche doesn’t mind his keeper’s odd punch after a superb save. “You want to show some energy to the crowd,” he said.
Even a relegation piece can have lighter moments. During a visit to retirees last week as part of an Everton project in the community, Dyche was stuck up by a lady and given advice on replacements.
Dyche urged his No. 1 to ‘choose when to be emotional and get people excited and when to be calm’
Everton teeters above bottom three after Monday’s stunning win over Brighton
