Alan Shearer has named Jordan Pickford in the Premier League’s official Team of the Week.
The pundit labelled Pickford ‘unfortunate’ and ‘incredible’ following Everton’s 2-2 draw with Sheffield United at the weekend.
The goalkeeper initially looked to have had a nightmare of a day at Bramall Lane, with Everton behind at the break after Cameron Archer’s shot had hit the woodwork and deflected in off Pickford’s back.
However, the Toffees’ two goals conceded weren’t a reflection on Pickford’s performance and he quickly received praise for his dramatic double save right at the death to keep a point for his team.
Speaking on Pickford’s display, Shearer told the official Premier League website: “Unfortunate to score an own goal, but produced an incredible double save at the end along with two other big stops.”
Pickford had had a difficult start to the new Premier League campaign, having given away a penalty in Everton’s 4-0 hammering by Aston Villa and has also now conceded eight goals in four matches.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
However, the England international’s performance against the Blades had mostly been complimented and he remains as one of the Toffees’ most important players.
Archer, who almost bagged a brace against Pickford, was left out of Shearer’s Team of the Week.
Meanwhile, Joe Worrall and Willy Boly (Nottingham Forest), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham), James Maddison and Heung-min Son (Spurs), Billy Gilmour and Evan Ferguson (Brighton) and Erling Haaland (Man City) made up the rest of the XI.
Jordan Pickford is often Everton’s hero
It is unsurprising news to see Jordan Pickford among the best in Shearer’s team, given how important the 29-year-old has been at Goodison Park.
However, it would be even better if Everton could see an outfield player or two pick up the plaudits for once.
It is great to see Pickford impressing, but ideally fans want him to not have as much work to do to be thrown into the limelight in the first place.
Beto’s promising league debut could see him catch the eye this season and supporters will hope he can become their standout player this time around.