James Tarkowski has admitted that Jordan Pickford ‘annoys him a little bit’.
Speaking to The Times, the Everton defender praised his teammate as ‘everything you want’ from a goalkeeper, but couldn’t wasn’t afraid to say that he can get on his nerves during a game.
Tarkowski has played alongside Pickford since joining the club last summer, with the pair both being ever-present figures in the starting line-up.
Pickford’s success in between the sticks led to rumours regarding his future at Goodison Park this summer, with Manchester United one club said to be interested in the England international.
Pickford is now set to remain at the club and Tarkowski has applauded him for his impact on the squad. However, the centre-back has joked to him that his loud mouth annoys him.
Tarkowski says Pickford is ‘everything you want from a modern-day goalkeeper’
“He annoys me a little bit, I tell him that,” Tarkowski said.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
“He does talk a lot. I suppose it’s better than not talking at all. He’s demanding. He’s everything you want from a modern-day goalkeeper. He makes incredible match-winning saves, the manager calls it ‘saving the unsaveables’. The ones you’re expecting to go in, he saves those.
“He’s also like another outfield player for us. If you watch us play, he steps inbetween the two central centre halves and he’ll spray it round the pitch. He’s got such an incredible range of passing. He could play outfield if he wanted. He wouldn’t want the running around.”
Pickford wasn’t praised quite as much at the weekend, with the 29-year-old giving away a penalty as Everton were beaten 4-0 by Aston Villa.
The duo will line up together once again as they face Wolves at Goodison Park this weekend, while it is unclear whether Sean Dyche will change up his backline.