Prince Rupert's Tower
Fansided

Ancelotti ready to replace Pickford at Everton

By Matt Townsend

Everton's English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reacts during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Everton at Bramall Lane stadium in Sheffield, northern England, on July 20, 2020. (Photo by Rui Vieira / various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton's English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reacts during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Everton at Bramall Lane stadium in Sheffield, northern England, on July 20, 2020. (Photo by Rui Vieira / various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Reports in the media claim that Carlo Ancelotti is ready to cut his losses and sell Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in this summer’s transfer window.

Pickford was one of the most disappointing players during the last season. His constant lapses in concentration cost Everton points repeatedly during the last campaign.

The game at Wolves, when he was caught on camera smirking after an error almost cost the Toffees a goal is for me, one of the defining images of the 2019-20 season.

A solidly consistent goalkeeper is essential to any successful team. Although Pickford is a fine athlete and makes some spectacular stops, it’s more important to have a reliable keeper who will make very few mistakes, especially unforced ones.

Now there are several reports in the media that Blues boss Ancelotti is ready to get shot of the England number one and bring in a replacement.

Again this wouldn’t be a major priority for me of this transfer window, I would consider sorting out the keeper problem as more of a longer-term issue and be prepared to stick it out with Pickford for one more season.

I feel that strengthening the midfield and putting in place a more consistent and stable defence, might  help Pickford as he would have fewer big decisions and saves to make.

I’m not trying to say that Pickford wasn’t at fault for his mistakes but he isn’t helped by the evident problems that the Blues had at the back.

More from Prince Rupert's Tower

However, if a ready-made replacement is out there and affordable perhaps Ancelotti could move to replace the former Sunderland player, although I don’t know who would sign him.

Well if the Blues boss is genuinely looking at other options out there, one good keeper to consider is the Argentinian number one Jaun Musso, who plays for Udinese.

Musso is a fine all-round goalkeeper whose has particular strengths in terms of his concentration and passing ability, which is important to Ancelotti’s defensive tactics.

One other option in Europe is the Rennes keeper Edouard Mendy. The Senegal player has good qualities and is another who could be an affordable option if Ancelotti wants to make a change.

Anyway these are options to mull over in the unlikely event that the club do decided to make a change in this position in this window.

Home/Transfer Rumors