BBC pundit thinks Everton key player is ‘immature’ but still ‘very, very good’

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Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been described as “a little bit immature” by BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson, who nonetheless tipped the Goodison Park ace for the England number one shirt.

Pickford has come under criticism at times over the past few seasons due to the odd mistake, but at the same time has also delivered some superb displays for club and country.

On Sunday, Everton recorded a 1-1 draw against Manchester United, with Pickford coming under fire for not being able to stop Bruno Fernandes’ long-range shot at his near post.

However, the Toffees keeper also made some superb saves to keep the Red Devils at bay, including a double stop to thwart Fernandes and Odion Ighalo late on.

Given the form of Dean Henderson at Sheffield United and Nick Pope at Burnley, there has been speculation over who should get the England gloves, but Lawrenson thinks Pickford is still the top choice.

“There is (pressure on Pickford),” Lawrenson told Off the Ball. “But I still think Pickford’s number one (for England). Yes, he made a mistake, but then he made a really good double save. “In fact, the second of the double save, I thought was outstanding and again with his feet.

“It’s one of them, you have got to really look at it. Pope plays in front of a back four at Burnley, who are unbelievably well drilled and they head it and kick it. And they do it all day long.

“I just think with Pickford sometimes, he just a little bit immature, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch. He just needs to keep his head down because he is a very, very good goalkeeper and I think he is probably the best English one there is. He just made a few mistakes. It’s like anything, especially over here (at Everton) if you make a mistake, you would get absolutely slaughtered.”

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First-choice England internationals will always get scrutinised more than other players in their position when it comes to mistakes or drops in form, and Pickford is no exception.

Admittedly, Pickford has made several high-profile errors – according to Opta (via Sky Sports), no player in the Premier League who has made more errors leading to goals than Pickford in the past two seasons.

However, the 25-year-old has proven his ability at international level, his exploits at Russia 2018 forever a part of England history, and his ability to shrug off criticism (BBC Sport) and just get on with the job at hand is also a key asset.