Jermaine Beckford has criticised Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his challenge on Liverpool central defender Virgil van Dijk, as quoted on BBC Sport.
The former Everton striker, who now works as a pundit for BBC Sport, was not impressed with the tackle from the England international on the Dutchman during the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park at the weekend.
Pickford’s challenge on Van Dijk was in the opening minutes of the Premier League game and saw the former Celtic centre-back get substituted.
It was a bad injury, and The Guardian has reported that the Liverpool star could be sidelined for ‘several months’.
Beckford said on BBC Sport (14:49): “The way Jordan Pickford came out to address Virgil van Dijk and try to tackle him and win the ball off him was really, really dangerous.
“Both his legs were quite high, one of the side of his keee cap. He was very fortunate not to be sent off. But, again, it’s kind of what we have become accustomed to seeing [from Pickford].”
Need to improve
Pickford is prone to making mistakes, and the England international was fortunate that he was not sent off for his rash challenge on Van Dijk.
Other than that, the England international played well between the posts, as he made two brilliant saves, although a late controversial offside decision did save him.
With Everton challenging for the Champions League places, Pickford needs to be on top form for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season.
Premier League top scorers 2019/20
- Jamie Vardy – Leicester
23
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal
22
- Danny Ings – Southampton
22
- Raheem Sterling – Manchester City
20
- Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
19
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