Pick your moments
Dyche: Jordan must channel his emotion and see bigger picture
by SEAN DYCHE has challenged England No.1 Jordan Pickford to reach the next level of excellence.
Pickford wears his heart on his sleeve as the Premier League’s most animated keeper and has often been a formidable last line of defence.
But Dyche has revealed he has been working with Pickford to channel his emotion – and see the bigger picture during matches.
The Everton boss is hoping for another notable performance from his 29-year-old keeper when Treble-chasing Manchester City arrive at Goodison Park today.
Athleticism
“Since joining I’ve noticed Jordan’s athleticism, shot-stopping and his speed around the area,” said Dyche.
“He has a lot of experience at club and England level too.
“That all wraps into a package of a very good goalkeeper.
“But we’re working on a few things too. He’s an emotional keeper and we’ve spoken about that. He can add into his game by choosing when to be emotional. When to be really on it and fire up people around you and when to be calm.
“He’s getting older and wiser in his professional outlook and you see more things, like the defensive planning picture from behind the back four.
“That doesn’t just affect yourself, it can affect things around you.
“As keepers mature they see it better and the more games you have sometimes you can stop danger at source. Keeping the ball away from you by planning and simple instructions.
“The best goalkeepers end up literally being the last port of call because they’ve already stopped it at source.
“I’ve said to him, now you are who you are with your individual prowess as a goalkeeper the next thing to keep adding in is look at the landscape, what’s in front of you – the organisation.
“Can you affect it to stop it even getting near you? I think the best goalkeepers have done that so well down the years.
“Now he’s adapting and using that and I’m pleased for him.”
Dyche knows Pickford will have to be at his best to stop rampant City as Everton try to build on their spectacular 5-1 win at
Brighton on Monday. “He’s certainly going to have to play well,” said Dyche.
“At some point your keeper is going to have to make a save against City because it’s very rare that you have a shut-out.
“But big players usually become top players because of big moments. Whatever position you are on the pitch, that’s what they do.”
Weapon
And Dyche believes Pickford’s kicking prowess is a back-to-front weapon that can damage City.
“Jordan strikes a really good ball, I’ve seen from a young age,” said Dyche. “I remember being at Burnley and him playing for Preston in the cup.
“He was just on the scene and his delivery from the back was fantastic. He has the ability to drill it long distance, he can hit that 75-yarder, 12 feet in the air.
“We’ve definitely spoken about using it, why wouldn’t you? This is the modern side of football.
“How many different ways can you be effective? I want good football but I want effective football.”