Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was very nearly England’s hero in the World Cup semi final – if only Premier League giants Liverpool had a number one this good.
The best goalkeeper on Merseyside is undoubtedly an Everton player.
While Loris Karius ended the season with that infamous double-clanger in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, Jordan Pickford has emerged as one of the top young ‘keepers in world football over in Russia.
Everton’s number one is England’s number one too and, on this evidence, he will remain between the sticks for club and country for a long time to come.
Pickford was a revelation as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, pulling off remarkable stops against Sweden and Croatia while making history in the penalty shootout victory over Colombia in the round of 16.
And after England’s dream died thanks to Mario Mandzukic’s extra time winner on Wednesday, even the most ardent Liverpool supporter has to admit that Pickford is a national hero right now.
In the eyes of some Anfield regulars, Liverpool could only dream of boasting a goalkeeper of Pickford’s quality, particularly with Karius set to remain as Jurgen Klopp’s first choice next season now potential deals for the likes of Alisson and Jan Oblak have come to nothing.
They say football brings people together. And Liverpool fans lauding an Everton hero is perhaps the prime example of the sport’s better side.
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