Sean Dyche admits he’s had questions over £30m Everton player

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Everton picked up just their fifth point of the Premier League season last night, but it was a well-earned one at least.

The draw at Leicester City marked a disappointing result given how they dominated the opening stages, but against Newcastle United, they were not quite as impressive.

Still forging a few chances, and arguably having a nailed-on penalty waved away by Craig Pawson, in the end, the result was probably a fair one.

However, Everton manager Sean Dyche can count himself lucky that he had a goalkeeper as experienced and revered as Jordan Pickford in net to deny the Magpies from 12 yards.

Saving from Anthony Gordon after James Tarkowski had recklessly dragged Sandro Tonali to the ground, the England international emerged to reaffirm his hero status at Goodison Park.

Sean Dyche reflects on Everton vs Newcastle United

But, speaking after the match, Dyche was keen to praise the character Pickford has shown rather than his technical prowess.

After all, this is a trait that everyone already raves over, with his passing range exemplary, and his shot-stopping unparalleled.

But, few credit his mental fortitude as much as they should, having fought through some really tough moments throughout his fine career.

The start to this season has been just that, as Dyche would outline in his post-match press conference: ‘He’s had his fair share of question marks this season, like we all have.

‘Part of the resilience of being a top footballer: staying resolute. Loads of people have had questions, including myself, but that’s what you do.’

Jordan Pickford knows how to come through dark moments

Signed for £30m back in 2017, Pickford instantly joined Everton with huge expectations.

He was the most expensive British keeper of all-time when he moved, and broke the Toffees’ club-record fee as a 23-year-old.

But, the way in which he has overcome every hurdle, of which there have been many, to not only save his club on numerous occasions but to star for his country too, is so impressive.

He even admitted back in 2022 that he was forced to find a psychologist to help him through a particularly tough run of form for Everton, claiming: ‘I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t in the best form. It was about, ‘How can I become better? How can I improve myself and get back to that level?’.

‘The passion will always be there. I was born with that passion. But talking to the psychologist, it’s about composure with passion.

‘I feel I’ve been in very good form for Everton over the last couple of years.

‘I did have a bad spell in 2019/20, but no one is perfect. It’s about how you come back from your downs and your bad games. I feel like I’ve done that.’

To not only have the bravery to do that, but to admit it too, is so impressive, and a testament to his character.