Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has admitted he used to play in central midfield just like Roy Keane.
The Everton shot-stopper has been invaluable between the sticks for years, with the last two outings producing two world-class saves.
Edwin van der Sar has insisted Pickford is not world-class, but the evidence would suggest otherwise.
Although he has established himself as England’s number one, Pickford has now admitted that he used to play in midfield once upon a time, with a comparison to Keane being made.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Jordan Pickford admits he once played in midfield like Roy Keane
Everton defender Michael Keane still dreams of playing as a striker before he retires, having established himself as a solid finisher.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Pickford has shared his previous playing days from when he was in school, where he based his game on Keane.
“When I was at school [not since I’ve become professional], I used to play centre-mid,” said Pickford.
“Bit of everything. I was all over the shop, bit of a madman. A bit like Roy Keane, really.”
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When asked if he ventures out to midfield in Everton training at Finch Farm, Pickford replied:
“Well, not anymore. I used to back in the day when I was at Sunderland, but not now.”
The 31-year-old’s hard work in training is paying off, with Gary Lineker hailing Pickford as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Having witnessed his save against Newcastle United and even the late one against Burnley, it is hard to argue that Pickford is anything other than world-class.
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