Everton face a tough challenge on Saturday as they prepare to travel to Anfield for the Merseyside Derby, and Liverpool hero John Aldridge has now singled out a Blues player who needs to be switched on.
Everton have won at Anfield just once since 1999, and after a stuttering start to the season, will be hoping for a miracle this weekend.
Whilst Everton’s struggles in front of goal have held them back this season, Aldridge has now picked out a surprise player that Liverpool may aim to target during what will likely be another heated derby.
Liverpool may target Jordan Pickford
Writing in the Liverpool Echo, Aldridge singled out Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as a player who may lose his temper in the heat of the Derby and cost his side, but also pointed out that if he is at his best then he can help carry the visitors to a result.
“With Richarlison no longer at Everton, I am sure we can rely on Jordan Pickford to try and cause a stir on the pitch during Saturday’s match,” Aldridge stated.
“If I was playing, I would be standing on his toes from corners trying to provoke a reaction. He is a good keeper, but a loose cannon. It’s something Liverpool could look to exploit.
“We’ve seen him involved in altercations on the pitch and you wouldn’t at all be surprised to see it happen again.
“Pickford is one who could thwart us on the day if he has a stormer, like he can do, and could do some real damage. But then you look at the famous Origi goal he let in, that’s what he does sometimes.”
Pickford’s temper
Pickford has a lot of history when it comes to Merseyside Derbies. He was one of the best players on the pitch when Everton won at Anfield in 2021, keeping a clean sheet and producing some stunning saves, and the England number one is no doubt one of his side’s best players.
He has been involved in some controversial Derby moments, and the home crowd will be on his back all game. Whilst his character often provides a boost to his goalkeeping ability, he does need to be extra careful on Saturday given that Liverpool will do their best to wind him up.
If he loses his temper or is sent off, he would do a lot of damage to his own side, but if he can produce another masterclass and help Everton keep their composure at Anfield, then he could silence the likes of Aldridge and Liverpool fans eager to see him slip up.
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