Pundit issues ‘huge’ Jordan Pickford verdict after new Everton injury reveal
Noel Whelan has claimed it will be a “tough one to take” for Everton if Jordan Pickford is out of action for an extended spell.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Toffees will miss the 28-year-old’s “voice” and “experience” as they search for a first win this term.
Everton revealed via club media on Wednesday (7 September) that Pickford had suffered a thigh injury during last week’s (3 September) 0-0 draw with rivals Liverpool.
The Toffees added that the England international is not expected to return to action until “after the next international break” – which takes place at the end of this month.
As per FBRef, Pickford is leading the way in post-shot expected goals prevented this term – preventing 3.4 more goals than expected across six games this season.
Whelan claimed the former Sunderland man is “comfortably England’s number one” goalkeeper ahead of November’s World Cup.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s huge.
“Looking back to the Liverpool game – without him between the sticks, they probably would have lost that game.
“The fact that he’s wearing the armband is a factor as well. He’s a real voice out there on the pitch and in the dressing room.
“I think any team would miss a goalkeeper of that calibre, he’s comfortably England’s number one.
“It’ll be a really tough one for Frank Lampard and the players to take.
“They’re still looking for that first win, and Pickford is one of the players they’ll have been leaning on to make it happen because of his experience.”
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