Everton face Chelsea at Goodison Park in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has told the club’s official website that Chelsea’s 25-year-old striker Alvaro Morata is a “top player” but also lauded the impact of the Toffees’ new-look defence.
Sam Allardyce is preparing his side to face champions Chelsea on Saturday at Goodison Park, as he looks to remain unbeaten since taking over from Ronald Koeman as Everton manager last month.
However, he faces arguably his toughest test in Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, who come into the game on the back of three straight wins against Bournemouth, Southampton and Huddersfield Town.
Pickford, 23, was full of praise for the changes in Everton’s back four heaping praise on Ashley Williams, Mason Holgate and Cuco Martina, but was also very complimentary about Chelsea’ star-studded attack.
“Morata is a top player, but I watched the Huddersfield game back when he did not play and Willian, Pedro and Hazard were all incredible,” Pickford declared.
“Whoever they play, it will be a tough test for us. This is the reason we are in the Premier League and why we want to be as good as we can possibly be.
“There have been a few changes in our defence. Mason has been terrific with Ash in the middle and they have a really good bond. Cuco has played at left-back and been top drawer. The way we have turned things around shows our character and the mood in the camp has changed massively.”
Since his £30million move to Merseyside, England international Pickford has produced six clean sheets in 25 league and cup outings, but three of those have come in his last five Premier League matches under the guidance of Allardyce.
The odds are stacked firmly against Everton, with Chelsea likely to draw positives from their recent form against Everton which has seen them pick up four straight wins, winning twice this season already in the league and the Carabao Cup.
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