Roy Keane delivered a withering assessment of goalkeeper after the Toffees lost 3-0 to , dismissing the idea that he is a top goalkeeper.
The champions breezed past Everton at Goodison Park, with two Ilkay Gundogan goals and another from Erling Haaland, which kept City on course for the title and left Sean Dyche’s team in a relegation scrap.
All three of Manchester City’s goals were excellent in very different ways, but it was Gundogan’s first which left Keane questioning the Everton goalkeeper.
The Germany international controlled the ball with his thigh in the penalty area and produced an immensely clever flick over his shoulder to take Pickford by surprise and open the scoring.
The Manchester United legend recognised the quality of the finish but then rounded on Pickford for his involvement.
‘Pickford for the goal…my goodness. He looks so small in there, there’s no spring, he’s not anticipating,’ Keane said on Sky Sport.
‘Micah [Richards] said before the game he’s a top goalkeeper, he’s not.’
Pickford has been linked with a move to Manchester United as David De Gea’s future as first choice goalkeeper remains somewhat unclear.
The Spaniard has reportedly agreed to sign a new contract with the Red Devils but on reduced wages and he will not necessarily be the number one under Erik ten Hag.
If his former club asked for any advice, it doesn’t seem that Keane would be backing any move for the Everton and England goalkeeper.
Sean Dyche has been much more complimentary of his ‘keeper, saying Pickford has almost everything in his game, but can continue to mature.
‘Pickford has athleticism, shot-stopping, speed around the area and a lot of experience. That’s the package of a very good goalkeeper,’ said Dyche of the former Sunderland man.
‘I’ve told him he can choose when to be emotional and fire up people and when to be calm. He’s getting older and wiser in his professional outlook and other players will observe him.
‘You can see the picture of the game as a goalkeeper. I’ve never talked to keepers about technical handling but I’ve always spoken to them about tactical understanding because they see it better as they mature.
‘They can keep adding to their game by looking at the defensive planning and organisation. Can you stop the ball even getting near you? The best goalkeepers have done that well down the years.’
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