Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to Everton’s Jordan Pickford after Leicester City lost 2-1 at home to Frank Lampard’s survival hopefuls in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, speaking to the Foxes website.
The difference between England Pickford and Everton Pickford has, at times, been rather remarkable.
How on earth can a man who produces so many outstanding saves on the biggest of stages – the World Cup and the European Championships – look so devoid of confidence and concentration when up against the likes of Watford, Burnley and Newcastle United?
It’s a question that some of history’s great philosophers would struggle to answer. But perhaps it’s fitting that, with the stakes higher than ever before at Goodison Park, Pickford’s tendency to step up when required has come to the fore.
They do say that diamonds are forged in pressure after all.
Jordan Pickford shines as Everton beat Leicester City
“Especially at 2-1, with the final half-hour to go, we just couldn’t break (Everton) down,” Rodgers sighs after Leicester’s hugely underwhelming season continued with another disappointing defeat, just three days after their UEFA Conference League semi-final loss to Roma.
“(Pickford) made some great saves. We could have worked him one or two times more, but he’s made two outstanding saves and kept the scoreline as it was.”
On the back of his Man of the Match performance in the 1-0 triumph over Chelsea last time out – featuring a genuine save of the season contender to deny Cesar Azpilicueta from point-blank range – Pickford gave Everton’s previously slim survival hopes another major boost while frustrating Harvey Barnes, Papy Mendy and co at the King Power.
“Jordan gives the team huge confidence,” says Lampard, via the Daily Mail. “You need goalkeepers to make big saves for you and I’m pleased he is getting the recognition he deserves.
“He is not just England’s number one but one of the top goalkeepers in the world.”
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