The Goodison Park boss sees more maturity in the Everton goalkeeper.
Pickford has his issues on and off the field last season.
He made high profile errors in matches against Liverpool and Newcastle United. In the latter match it emerged he had reacted to taunts from the crowd (The Liverpool Echo).
Later, he was allegedly involved in a fracas on a night out in the north east mid-season (The Telegraph).
Silva admitted he wasn’t happy with the situation in the wake of that incident (The Telegraph), but has continued to support his number one.
The team are now reaping the rewards.
After a 1-0 victory over Watford at the weekend, Silva hailed the change he’s seen in the player.
As quoted by The Telegraph, he said: “At the moment, Jordan is showing more maturity, he has the quality and he’s showing that more in the right moments.
“It is something I am demanding from him to be the guy in some moments is calm.”
That composure was certainly in full effect on Saturday. First denying Etienne Capouye with a sharp save, he later foiled Troy Deeney’s attempt after he was played through on goal.
Everton have now kept clean sheets in their opening two matches of the season. Stretching back to last term, Pickford has helped keep ten clean sheets in their last 13 matches.
He’s become the foundation of positive Everton results and is fully justifying his expensive move from Sunderland.
If the 25-year-old can continue to improve, mature and better his mentality then the Toffees will be very well served for a very long time.
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