The topic of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s mentality has been a bigger talking point amongst Everton fans and pundits in recent months, as despite putting in some very solid performances between the sticks and making some great stops, we all know he can become too wrapped up in things and decisions can cost us.
The topic goes back to last season but with the international break in full flow now, Pickford himself has been speaking to The Mirror this week and insisted that he’s taking a more ‘calm and mature’ approach to the game following talks with manager Marco Silva.
“The maturity side has always been there. You get more mature with the more games you play. With the calmness it’s more about playing out from the back with my distribution and game-management. I’ve always said that you learn most when you go out on loan when you are a young player. Calmness I’ve definitely thought about a lot, being more calm, but I’ll still be doing all my shouting about because I try to be a leader from the back and for me. You are sometimes further away from players but you still get the shouting because I want to help the team as much as I can.”
Goalkeepers especially develop with age and at 25-years-old, the maturity aspect of dealing with the pressure/decisions and not letting it affect your game, is simply another step for Pickford to make but with the Newcastle match last March being a particular flashpoint for fans, it’s good to see that it’s been an issue that’s been quietly addressed behind the curtains since then, with the stopper admitting there was a further heart to heart during the pre-season warm up.
I also imagine few fans will be concerned by the ‘shouting’ aspect as you always want a vocal goalkeeper who dominates his area and not only instructs, but also keeps defenders on their toes and aware of things.
Peter Shilton has it right on that score as he gave his thoughts on social media recently.
Great to read that Jordan Pickford @Everton will keep on shouting for @England I’ve always thought that was a goalkeepers first line of defence as he can stop attempts on goal before they materialise It needs to be constructive & under control but also give the odd rollicking
— Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) September 4, 2019
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