Everton’s Jordan Pickford has described himself as “a leader for club and country,” as he joins England for this month’s international fixtures.
Pickford is coming into this international fortnight off the back off a series of crucial goalkeeping displays to keep Everton in the Premier League, despite keeping just two clean sheets in six matches last month.
The 28 year-old also finished the 2021-22 Premier League season with more shot saving punches than any other goalkeeper, having made 22 punches in 35 appearances.
Pickford therefore sees himself “as a leader for club and country,” as he insisted that he is just trying to help his teammates out when needed as he explained to evertonfc.com: “All I do is try my best to help my teammates out and when called upon I want to be there to do that.”
Criticism however has often been directed at Pickford but the Washington-born goalkeeper isn’t too bothered as he reflected on his form since the turn of 2021: “I think my consistency levels over the past 18 months have been quite good and I’m really happy with it. I just want to keep getting better and better.”
Pickford added that at 28 years-old with 43 senior international caps, he is more experienced and qualified to be viewed as a team leader.
“You have to be a leader when you are a bit older and you have that experience. I think I am one of them now.” commented Pickford.
Explaining why he viewed himself as a leader, Pickford described himself as “quite commanding on the pitch” and “vocal”, whilst maintaining a “calm demeanour” in his decision-making despite looking “pumped up,” during every match.
Having joined Everton five years ago in June 2017 from Sunderland, Pickford also noted that he now feels “more mature” following his experiences across the last five seasons and feels that he is continuing to improve his game.
Pickford is currently away on international duty with England who face Hungary twice plus Germany and Italy once across 10 days in their opening four UEFA Nations League fixtures, which he believes will be “very competitive” due to the congested scheduling.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup taking place across November – December in Qatar, Pickford admitted that his performances in this international window will benefit him for the major tournament, as he said: “Games like this always give you more experience for the biggest tournaments.”
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