A Premier League champion at Chelsea, Asmir Begovic is one of the Premier League’s most recognizable goalkeepers over the last decade and a half. Having played with and against some of the best players to grace the top flight, it is fair to say that the veteran has an eye for talent and recognizes quality.
Currently at Everton in what is his second spell on Merseyside, Begovic is part of a Toffees side that has constantly underachieved in recent years. Several of Everton’s top stars have moved onto greener pastures but one man who is still at Goodison Park has garnered Begovic’s seal of approval.
Jordan Pickford moved to Everton in the summer of 2017 and has quickly established himself as a legend of sorts amongst the Toffees faithful. He has made 287 appearances for the club across all competitions since and is the first-choice shot-stopper at Goodison Park.
Pickford’s also won 71 caps for England and is the nation’s go-to man in goal. There is expected to be little change under Thomas Tuchel, and the 30-year-old is expected to serve as the German tactician’s last line of defence.
The Everton man has his detractors, but Begovic isn’t one of them. As someone who has shared the dressing room with the 30-year-old, Begovic appraises the Englishman’s mental strength and is sold on the quality he brings to the table. Speaking on talkSPORT via Youtube, the Bosnian did not mince on his praise for Pickford.
“Jordan Pickford is the number one, forever number one for England, and yet he still has his critics. Of course, one of the biggest things for goalkeepers is emotional control, how you cope with things and that pressure on you to not make a mistake and to be there for your team whenever called upon.”
“I’ve seen him now for three years and work with him on a daily basis, and his quality… I can genuinely say he’s world class. We’ve pushed each other, gained respect, and of course, we’re friends now. He’s developed over the years, and he’s getting to an age now where he’s coming into really the best stage of his career.”
Goalkeepers usually hit their prime later in their career in comparison to their outfield counterparts, and at 30, Pickford is well placed to achieve just that. While Everton are unlikely to challenge for top honours anytime soon, the presence of players like Pickford ensured they never hit rock bottom. The £25m the Toffees spent on his services has already been paid back several times by the €22m-rated shot-stopper.
The shot-stopper played a key role in securing Everton’s top-flight status over the last two seasons and will only get better with age. Under new ownership, Everton should aim to build their new team around Pickford, who will undeniably continue his role as a key player.
The 30-year-old lags considerably behind Peter Shilton in the race to secure the most English caps in history for a goalkeeper. However, he just needs five more appearances to eclipse David Seaman in second spot on the list.
More so, Pickford has already broken Shilton’s record for most appearances made by an English goalkeeper in major tournaments. He might not have the trophy collection to prove it, but there is little doubt that Pickford is one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers. With Tuchel now set to lead England to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the sky is the limit for Pickford and Co.
