Everton arguably have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Jordan Pickford.
Wayne Rooney says Jordan Pickford is so underrated and should be considered among the best goalkeepers on the planet.
Since joining from Sunderland in 2017, Pickford has been one of Everton’s most consistent players and has established himself as England’s number one.
His former teammate and now pundit Theo Walcott has come out and admitted there is one thing that has completely changed about Pickford since playing with him several years ago.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Theo Walcott says Jordan Pickford has calmed down ‘a lot’
Walcott, speaking to BBC Sport, has noticed that Pickford has calmed down over the last few years, and it’s really helped the defenders in front of him.
“Jordan has calmed down a lot – I just think he has got a bit more mature,” Walcott explained.
“Earlier in his career there were times I played with him where it felt like if he was bored in the game he thought he had to do something, just to feel like he was involved.
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“Now, though, I think he actually doesn’t mind taking a step back because he understands that it starts with the goalkeeper and if he is calm, it helps the back four to be calm and the rest of the team too.
“He is not really involved in any scuffles anymore and that is down to maturity.”
Rob Green disagrees with Theo Walcott
Former England goalkeeper Rob Green disagrees with Walcott as he believes Pickford’s high emotions are still very much a part of his game.
“Jordan literally makes his own noise at times but he has reached a point with every aspect of his game where he has proved it has worked for him – so who are we to question it now?
“He has been that good over such a length of time where perhaps everyone sat in a studio or in the stands, who used to say ‘oh no, there goes Jordan ranting again’, should just shut up or instead say ‘well, perhaps he knows what he is doing’.”
Pickford, who celebrated his 31st birthday in March, is clearly a very animated goalkeeper but perhaps that helps to maintain his concentration for prolonged periods.
Aaron Ramsdale has previously admitted that he sometimes interacts with the crowd to stay focused and keep his mind active.