Everton as a unit have underperformed this season, with a squad that, on paper, should be well clear of the drop.
However, enduring four straight Premier League losses to kickstart proceedings, many feared the worst.
They were continuing their profligate trend, yet had lost the solidity that made them so feared last campaign.
Much of the struggles with the latter was owed to the absence of Jarrad Branthwaite, which was arguably affecting one man more than most.
Jordan Pickford’s Everton form questioned
Chatting with the Liverpool ECHO, just after he criticised what Jesper Lindstrom did to his Everton teammates, Michael Ball then turned his attention to Jordan Pickford.
After all, it has been a rough start to the new campaign for the 30-year-old shot-stopper, who has not looked his usual heroic self.
In fact, the former Sunderland man has been a shadow of that confident goalkeeper, instead flapping at crosses and failing to command his area.
Well, Ball has finally called him out: ‘It’s a bit of a strange one with Jordan Pickford, I don’t know if he’s been told to stay on his line. We’ve conceded so many goals from crosses, especially this season, where you’d expect Jordan to come and get it, but you’ve got to pick your moments.
‘The goals we’ve conceded where I’ve questioned Jordan’s decision making, have been from slow crosses. You’ve got time to come, shout and demand to get out of your six-yard box but the some of the ones he has tried to come for are the ones you think he shouldn’t.
‘I think to avoid the confusion, he’s probably been told to stay on his line and let the defenders defend it, because they don’t know if he’s coming or going. We’ve seen in our games where we’ve put slow, whipped balls in and opposition goalkeepers have taken the pressure off to give the players at the back a bit of a break.
‘No matter where you are on a football pitch, it’s decision making that enables you to become a good player. There are going to be moments where he has to come and get it, no matter what he’s been told.’
Everton’s entire defence have suffered without Jarrad Branthwaite
It’s not too unthinkable to suggest that Pickford, along with the entire backline, has suffered from the absence of Branthwaite.
After all, not only did he grow into a mainstay of their defence last season, but he also provided the organisation, composure, power and pace, much of which is lacking without him.
Little has really changed on Pickford’s end from last season, save for perhaps a slight dip in confidence, as he seldom came for crosses then.
However, he was often bailed out by the dominance of Branthwaite and James Tarkowski at the back.
Removing one of those key components has clearly shaken up the entire team though, and left the goalkeeper unsure of where he stands.
Fortunately, with the 22-year-old now back, hopefully Pickford can start proving Ball wrong.
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