Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has admitted what Wayne Rooney has recently said about him doesn’t really matter.
The 31-year-old Everton goalkeeper came under criticism at the weekend for his involvement in one of Tottenham Hotspur’s goals.
It may not have been the goalkeeper’s finest game, but Everton have been able to rely on Pickford for a number of years now.
Pickford has recently signed a new Everton contract as a reward for his commitment over some difficult years on Merseyside.
Although the 31-year-old will have some critics, Darren Bent has hailed Pickford and suggested he could play for a side competing in Europe.
Rooney has also commented on the Everton goalkeeper, but Pickford has admitted he’s not overly bothered by what has been said.
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Jordan Pickford responds to Wayne Rooney’s Everton praise
Earlier this season, Rooney has hailed Pickford as underrated and claimed the Everton keeper does not get the credit he deserves.
The former Sunderland shot stopper has been a mainstay for both Everton and England, yet regularly sees his position questioned.
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During an interview with Men in Blazers, Pickford has admitted he does not really care what other people have to say about him.
“It doesn’t really faze me. As long as I’m performing that’s all I can do. As long as I know that I’m at my highest level then I’m happy,” said Pickford.
“For me, it’s about my family appreciating me. Arlo [his son] can say well done. He’s a proper fan and gets quite upset when we don’t win.”
As the nation’s number one, Pickford is dreaming of lifting the World Cup for England next summer over in the United States.
It is not only silverware with England that Pickford is eyeing, with the goalkeeper wanting to leave a legacy at Everton before he hangs his gloves up.
Pickford is underrated but needs to learn from Tottenham error
Charlie Austin has hailed Pickford’s Everton performances over a long period of time, but Sunday was not his finest.
Micky Van de Ven did outmuscle Pickford quite easily for his second goal of the evening at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Gary Neville admitted Pickford got bullied by Van de Ven, but the England number one will know that looking back on the game.
“Pickford gets bullied. It’s wicked the delivery from Porro, it’s right on top of the goalkeeper. Pickford has to be stronger. Once he’s taken off balance, he has no chance,” said the Sky Sports man.
An emotional return to Sunderland is next up for Pickford, where he will have to be on his best form against a Sunderland side currently sat in fourth position.