Sean Dyche believes Jordan Pickford can set the tone for the rest of his team in the final games of the season.
The England number one has hit form at a crucial time for Everton, most recently keeping the Blues in touch with relegation rivals Leicester City by saving a penalty.
It was a moment of courage founded in what Dyche described as “due diligence” and which prevented Leicester from opening up a two goal lead in the important match. Alex Iwobi then equalised in the second half to secure a valuable point for Everton.
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Dyche is a fan of Pickford and took the 29-year-old’s decision to sign a new contract days after the manager’s appointment as an immediate positive sign to kickstart his reign. Just like he did so memorably as Everton fought for Premier League safety last season, Pickford is once again producing key saves at big moments in this latest relegation battle.
The save from James Maddison’s spot kick could prove vital to Everton’s survival hopes and highlighted how Everton’s goalkeeping unit is fully preparing for each game - images from the King Power Stadium showing Pickford’s water bottle featuring the instruction to stay central should Maddison take responsibility for a penalty.
The pressure on Pickford will increase further following the loss of club captain Seamus Coleman to injury for the rest of the season. Pickford is expected to now take the armband for the run-in, games that will settle Everton’s Premier League fate.
Ahead of Everton’s trip to Brighton and Hove Albion, Dyche said he wanted every player to “lead in their own way”. But he acknowledged Pickford will be crucial to his side’s cause, adding: “He is doing his due diligence, as you saw with his penalty save, and I spoke to him about bringing that calmness because he is a top keeper. When you have a top keeper playing well it brings that calmness.”
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