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Opinion: Neville Southall's comments on 'average' Everton player have aged terribly

Everton legend Neville Southall has not been Jordan Pickford’s biggest fan despite some of his heroics on Merseyside.

Pickford has been a constant in the Everton side over recent years having played a big role in keeping the side in the Premier League.

The Toffees are now pushing for a spot in Europe ahead of next season and Pickford is central to the efforts from David Moyes’ side.

What’s your message to the ‘match winner’ after how he disrespected Jordan Pickford? 🤣

He looks a little bit silly now, doesn't he!

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Two huge saves from the 32-year-old over the last two games have kept Everton’s hopes alive, but they have done Southall’s comments no favours at all.

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What Neville Southall said about Everton’s Jordan Pickford

Less than a year ago, Southall slammed Pickford as being ‘average’ and claimed he is not as good as many make him out to be.

“Ours is average… he does okay. He’s average. If I’d have played like that, I’d be out the team for Howard,” said Southall.

Should Jordan Pickford now be considered one of the world’s best goalkeepers? 🤔

Gary Lineker is adamant he should 👀

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There is no doubting Southall’s time on Merseyside, with the Welshman the best to ever do it between the sticks for the Blues.

Even Jamie Carragher has said Southall deserves a statue at Everton for his incredible performances on Merseyside.

However, he got his criticism of Pickford so wrong.

Pickford has proven Southall to be completely wrong

Gary Lineker recently hailed Pickford as world-class on the back of that save against Newcastle United.

One save does not make a goalkeeper suddenly brilliant, but Pickford followed that up on Tuesday with a sublime save in added time against Burnley.

The 32-year-old has been doing this for years at Everton, as he pushes the goalkeepers at the top end of the league once again for the Golden Glove.

Even Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised Pickford on the back of his performance against the Magpies last weekend.

It is not just at club level that Pickford has been playing at the very top of his game.

Pickford has kept 10 clean sheets on the bounce for the Three Lions as he is set to play a key role in Thomas Tuchel’s bid for the World Cup.

Although it may well be a game of opinions, to brand Pickford as ‘average’ has surely been proven wrong by the man himself with how he has performed for the Blues this season alone.

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