Sean Dyche calls on Jordan Pickford to control his emotions in Everton’s battle against relegation
Sean Dyche calls on Jordan Pickford to keep his emotions in check as Everton’s battle against relegation…as he insists he is not worried about the goalkeeper’s future amid reported interest from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur
- Jordan Pickford has had another impressive campaign for Everton this year
- Sean Dyche was full of praise for Pickford’s all-round play and current form
- However, he called on his number 1 to ‘choose when to be emotional and calm’
Sean Dyche wants Jordan Pickford to become captain cool to help save Everton from relegation – again.
Pickford has taken over the armband from the injured Seamus Coleman and was in inspired form during their 5-1 win over Brighton last Monday to see Sean Dyche’s team finish out of the bottom three. The only flaw in the 29-year-old’s game is that he sometimes gets over-enthusiastic and ahead of today’s game against Manchester City, Dyche reminded him that the rest of the team look to him as a role model.
“Pickford has athleticism, stopping shots, speed around the area and a lot of experience. That’s the package of a very good goalkeeper,” said Dyche of his number 1 in England. “I told him he can choose when to be emotional and stir people up and when to be calm. He is getting older and wiser in his professional outlook and other players will be observing him. You see the image of the match as a goalkeeper. I’ve never talked to keepers about technical action, but I’ve always talked to them about tactical insight, because they understand that better as they get older.
“They can continue to improve their game by looking at defensive planning and organization. Can you prevent the ball from coming near you? The best keepers have done that well over the years.’
One of Pickford’s strengths is his range of passing, something that convinced Gareth Southgate to play him in the World Cup ahead of Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope, who also worked for Dyche at Burnley.
Sean Dyche has called on Jordan Pickford to keep his emotions in check in Everton’s relegation battle
Pickford has been in fine form for the Toffees in recent weeks, making several stunning saves
“He hits a really good ball,” said Dyche. “I remember his performance was fantastic even as a young boy when he played against Burnley for Preston.
“Manchester City play with extra fire when Ederson drills it a long distance and it’s something we’ve definitely talked about using with Jordan. why wouldn’t you? It’s the modern side of football. I want good football, but also effective football. He will definitely have to play well against City. Usually your goalkeeper has to make saves against him.’
Manchester United are one of the clubs reportedly eyeing Pickford, but Dyche sees no issues with his loyalty. “He’s just signed a very long-term contract, so that’s a good sign he wants to be here,” the Everton boss added.
Pickford was Everton’s standout as they beat the drop on the penultimate day of last season and Dyche doesn’t mind his keeper throwing the occasional punch after a great save. “You want to show a little bit of energy to the audience,” he said.
Even a relegation scrap can have lighter moments. While visiting pensioners last week as part of an Everton in the Community project, Dyche was given a lady’s collar and advice on substitutions.
Dyche urged his number 1 to “choose when to be emotional and stir people up and when to be calm”
Everton teeter above the bottom three after Monday’s smash win over Brighton