Jens Lehmann was recently critical of Jordan Pickford at Everton.
The German advised the England international to stop celebrating saves during games. Lehmann criticised Pickford and told Clutch 9 Football: “Yeah, it’s not only him, it’s other keepers. I celebrated at the end of the game. On corners sometimes, keepers make great saves and the next corner, boom, goal, so where is your celebration now?
“Focus on the next ball, it’s about defending it. It’s not just goalkeepers, defenders as well.”
Now, however, Lehmann has contradicted himself just days after these comments when hailing Jordan Pickford as the best goalkeeper on the planet when it comes to focus.
What changes would you make from this side to face Brentford? 🤔
Predicted Everton XI for Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford.
Credit: GRV Media
Jens Lehmann now praises Jordan Pickford for his concentration levels
The former Arsenal man either has a short memory or has decided to change his mind, after telling Clutch 9 Football on TikTok that he feels the Everton No.1 is the best glovesman in the game in terms of concentration.
When building his “perfect” goalkeeper from a range of different traits, Lehmann said: “Hard to say. Maybe, Pickford.”
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Having told the exact same outlet during the actual podcast that he thinks the 32-year-old needs to improve his focus and stop celebrating, that is a weird answer.
Anybody who watches Pickford – who Gary Neville now admires – across the duration of an Everton game will see a goalkeeper eager to be as involved as possible, whether that be shouting orders at those in front of him, or engaging in a bit of teasing with oppositions fans away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
We feel that both of these details actually help the former Sunderland man stay alert and ready to deal with the ball when it comes near him, as it keeps his senses sharp for the crucial moments.
Should Jordan Pickford now be considered one of the world’s best goalkeepers? 🤔
Gary Lineker is adamant he should 👀
A custom image showing a quote from Gary Lineker about Jordan Pickford.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images, and Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
If Pickford can guide England to glory at the World Cup this summer, perhaps more across the football world will begin to appreciate his talents like Everton fans already do.
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