Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has suggested that Jordan Pickford's long stay at Everton indicates he is 'well-settled', adding that Chelsea would 'jump at the chance' to sign him if he gave any encouragement.
Given praises Pickford's stability and talent
Given, who made 451 Premier League appearances for Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Stoke City, and earned 134 caps for the Republic of Ireland, spoke highly of the Everton keeper. Pickford, signed from Sunderland for £25million in 2017, is about to start his 10th season with the club.
Speaking courtesy of BOYLE Sports, Given said: “Jordan Pickford has been at Everton for nearly 10 years now and he’s been England number one for most of that time too and he broke the appearance record for England World Cup games. It is strange that we haven’t heard of other clubs moving in for him during that time.”
'Steady Eddie' with a winning mentality
Given highlighted Pickford's consistency and personality, noting: “He’s a bit of a ‘Steady Eddie’, and if you think I’m playing him down by saying that, I’m not. I’m playing him up. When you’ve got a goalkeeper who is that steady, it’s a real plus, and he’s got a real personality. Some people say it can spill over at times, but it shows his passion and hunger and desire for the team to do well.”
He added: “It’s his will to win, you can’t coach that or teach it. It’s just who he is, and I don’t mind that at all.”
Pickford's loyalty to Everton
Pickford, 32, has previously expressed his commitment to the club. After a 2-2 draw at Brentford on April 11, he said: “Everton’s been so good to me, and I’ve been so good to Everton, we’ve got a great relationship. I love the fans, the fanbase is quality. I’ve got the best chant that Everton fans sing. It takes some doing to get an Everton chant, let me tell you that.”
