Everton were beaten by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but after the game David Moyes lavished praise on one ace in particular.
The Toffees fell to a second successive defeat in the Premier League, losing 1-0 to the Blues.
It was Nicolas Jackson who scored the game’s only goal, with the Senegal striker bagging midway through the first-half.
Beto lost possession of the ball in a midfield area, and then Enzo Fernandez quickly found Jackson, who flashed his effort into the bottom corner giving Jordan Pickford no chance.
Beto has come in for criticism for not retaining the ball and getting dispossessed.
Some also pointed the finger at Pickford. Pundit Tim Sherwood criticised Pickford, believing he actually should have saved Jackson’s shot.
But David Moyes said after the game he saw nothing wrong with the initial ball from Pickford, and heaped praise on his number one.
- READ MORE: Jordan Pickford makes exciting David Moyes admission which bodes really well for Everton’s future
David Moyes hails Jordan Pickford despite Everton defeat
It has been another fine season from Pickford in the Everton goal.
The England number one has been the club’s Player of the Season for three years running, and may well be in with a shout of winning again at the end of 2024/25.
Without the contributions of Pickford over the last few years, Everton likely wouldn’t be where they are now.
He’s been huge in helping the club to stave off the threat of relegation, and Moyes took the opportunity to praise his goalkeeper yesterday.
When asked about the notion Pickford doesn’t get the respect he deserves, he said: “He should do, because I think he’s the levels of the top goalkeepers who in England have been respected more than anybody.
“I might be wrong in talking about Banks and Shilton and all the ones who you would talk about.
“He’s right up there as far as (England) caps go. He’s a terrific goalkeeper. He helps us, with his passing, with his kicking. You can decide today if it was a help of a hindrance, what he did. But overall, I’m really pleased with Jordan.
“He makes big saves at moments, and he made a few big saves today.”
Pickford among the Premier League’s best goalkeepers
People talk about the likes of Alisson, David Raya and Ederson as being the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
But Pickford has to be in the conversation, having shown tremendous consistency for Everton over the last few years. For pundit Chris Sutton, Pickford has been ‘outstanding’ and is potentially better than Ederson.
Pickford has brilliant shot-stopping ability, cat-like reflexes and his a great distributor.
The fact he’s been Everton’s Player of the Season for the past three years is indicative of his quality, and the fact he’s racked up 75 caps for England also paints a clear picture.
Certainly, the £30 million (BBC Sport) Everton spent on him has proved exceptional value for money.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
