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Pickford hopes THIS save spares Everton the drop
JORDAN PICKFORD believes his wonder-stop against Chelsea would prove the perfect legacy save of his days at Everton – but only if the Toffees beat the drop.
The England No.1 produced a miraculous ‘save of the season’ to deny Cesar Azpilicueta a week ago (above).
And it has thrown Frank Lampard’s stars a survival lifeline in their final five games, starting at Leicester today.
Pickford’s heroics have even been likened to the wondrous Gordon Banks stop that denied Pele at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
But the 28-year-old Three Lions star accepts that it will count for nothing unless Everton can avoid relegation.
Pickford said: “That’s what I’m called upon to do, so I don’t really rank my saves. But it was right up there.
“It’s always nice to have that legacy of a great save, but I’m a club player and it’s all about staying up.
“The Banks save in 1970 is iconic. I might look back at mine like that when
I’m 50, 60, in 30 years time – and hopefully after our next five games it will have that legacy factor.”
Drained
Pickford confessed he did not watch the replays when he got home.
“No, I was quite tired and drained to be honest” he recalled.
“The next day I was having a ‘tranquillo’ day on the golf course but I’ve seen it back now and it was a good save.
“You do have to enjoy it a little bit after it happens, but in our position the focus has got to be about the next game.
“I also can’t get carried away in a game because I have made a really good save – I need to focus on the next action and that was Antonio Rudiger’s shot, which hit me in the face.
“I don’t know if I can remember it, it was that hard. I’ve still got a headache now! But it doesn’t matter to me what type of save I make. Any is a good save for me.”
At times passionate Pickford cuts a manic figure in his goal – but his antics are deceptively under control.
“I like to be revved up, but it’s about keeping that emotion with a level head” he revealed.
“I want to be who I am, but I want to be a calm figure – and I have been during the last 18 months.
“When it comes to my decision-making
I am a lot calmer, but the animation, shouting and balling, it’s not crazy stuff I’m saying.
“It’s not as bad as it looks! Stadiums are really noisy so I am trying to tell my team-mates information about what’s going on in front of me.”
Pickford fought for glory with England in the delayed Euro20 Final against Italy last summer.
And he reckons staying up will feel as good as winning any major trophy.
He added: “You are always fighting for something in football. Whether it’s a trophy or climbing away from relegation, the way the heart is pumping is identical.
“You want the same outcome – to come out on top. If you win a trophy or beat relegation that buzz is identical.
“I have been in this situation with Sunderland although I wasn’t playing at the time. We stayed up and it was a great feeling, like winning something. It was a big reward.
“It’s hard where we are. But the relief you take can be good.
“The win over Chelsea last week was very big, but now it’s about Leicester.”