Sean Dyche admits Pickford has been of great value

Everton picked up just their fifth point of the Premier League season last night, but it was a well-earned one at least.

The draw at Leicester City marked a disappointing result given how they dominated the opening stages. Everton created several chances, including a possible penalty that referee Craig Pawson dismissed. However, the final result seemed fair overall.

Everton’s manager, Sean Dyche, was fortunate to have Jordan Pickford. The experienced goalkeeper saved a penalty from Anthony Gordon. The penalty was awarded after James Tarkowski fouled Sandro Tonali.

Pickford reaffirmed his hero status at Goodison Park with this crucial save. After the match, Dyche focused more on Pickford’s character than his technical skills, which are already well-known.

His passing range is excellent, and his shot-stopping is unmatched. Despite these strengths, people don’t give him enough credit for his mental toughness. Pickford has faced many challenges throughout his career, and this season has been difficult, as Dyche highlighted in his press conference.

He acknowledged the doubts Pickford has faced but praised his resilience, noting that it’s part of being a top footballer. “Everyone, including myself, has had doubts, but that’s how you grow,” Dyche said.

Signed for £30m back in 2017, Pickford joined Everton with huge expectations. He was the most expensive British keeper of all-time when he moved, and broke the Toffees’ club-record fee as a 23-year-old.