Jordan Pickford reality is clear for Everton fans as…

Jordan Pickford reality is clear for Everton fans as Isaac Price assessment delivered

Everton fans take Jordan Pickford jibes to heart but can benefit from more England heroics from him

Has there ever been an English top flight player whose performances have been more scrutinised than Jordan Pickford’s? Perhaps it’s just a sign of the times and the fractious, partisan and polarised society we seemingly now have to inhabit – particularly on social media where the keyboard warriors and trolls who (quite rightly) would never dare spit such venom in your direction if confronting you in the streets, feel they have a right to take individuals to task so readily, especially those in the public eye, without a shred of common courtesy – but it seems many have an agenda against Everton’s goalkeeper.

Both Neville Southall and Kevin Campbell have gone as far as describing it as “a witch hunt” and when you look at the magnitude of what in many ways could be described as being a personal “campaign” against Pickford, it’s about as rational as one. Taking away all personal bias, beyond the Brazilian pair of Alisson at Liverpool and Ederson at Manchester City, nobody could seriously suggestion that any other Premier League goalkeepers are consistently operating at a level head and shoulders above the Blues man.

He’s the best this country has to offer in his position right now and has been England number one on merit for five years after making his international debut in November 2017, shortly after his £25million transfer to Everton from local club Sunderland. It’s undoubtedly a position in which you’re in the spotlight so in many ways having your performances come under the microscope on a regular basis comes with the territory.

Chris Beesley has more, here.

Isaac Price responds to Everton 'best player' claim with honest verdict on Celtic performance

Isaac Price's first thoughts after starring in Everton's win over Celtic were on how can continue to improve.

The 19-year-old put in an impressive display at Sydney's Accor Stadium and was described by Frank Lampard as being the best player on the pitch. Price, who finished the match as the Blues' only fit, recognised central midfielder said he was "buzzing" to be involved with the senior team and pleased with his performance.

But he was also quick to move on to what he can do better as he revealed impressive modesty after the game.

Price played the full match against Celtic, showing composure throughout as he battled in midfield. While Everton struggled to exert any control over the tie, leaving Price sitting deep for much of the game, he retained possession well and showed glimpses of the talent that has made him so highly thought of at Everton.

Speaking to the club website after the match, Price said of the experience: "It was unbelievable - the atmosphere, the stadium, the way we played. I thought we played well, they didn't get many chances and we had a few in the first half where we could have scored but yeah, I really enjoyed it."

Joe Thomas has more, here.

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