‘Get away’… Michael Ball thinks £30m Everton player is making his own teammates nervous.

Everton have not had much to celebrate about in recent years, however a few heroes have been formed.

The likes of Seamus Coleman, Richarlison and Jordan Pickford have all stood up amidst relegation concerns to solidify that reputation at Goodison Park, with it being widely acknowledged that, as mainstays of the club, they deserve better.

And yet, they never truly get their roses, with the latter in particular coming under scrutiny from those less versed about his perceived theatrics which they feel hamper the team.

Evertonians laugh at that notion, but now Michael Ball has really sought to support it after Monday night’s game.

What Michael Ball said about Jordan Pickford

Writing for the Liverpool ECHO, the former Everton ace drew no punches in his appraisal of the shot-stopper: ‘If I was playing with Pickford, I don’t know what I would do. His unstable attitude makes the crowd and his own team-mates nervous.

‘He asks an outfield player for the ball some 20 yards outside his area. If I’m an outfield player, I’ll instruct him where to go and say ‘you just concentrate on stopping shots, that’s your job, trust the midfielder to make something happen.’

‘We don’t need him making things unnecessarily tough for us and making us worry. ‘

He then went on to claim: ‘When you’re searching for inspiration on the pitch, you go to your leaders. Tarkowski is our leader when captain Seamus Coleman isn’t playing and he goes about things the proper way.

‘He discusses topics and explains to players what he wants them to do but others need to stand up. I’d rather that he tell Pickford where to go, to get back, get away from it and allow us to do the job.

‘If we need you, then you can support us but you can’t be our first pick. You’re a goalie for a reason so stay in your box.’

Everton are too reliant on Jordan Pickford

Whilst Ball does make a solid point about the outfield players continually seeking for Pickford, there is excellent reason for that.

After all, and somewhat depressingly, the 29-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best passers at the club, with his left foot boasting enough power and precision to locate players high up the pitch.

On Monday there was a pitiful reliance on going long, with the centre-backs and full-backs plainly encouraged to do so.

However, it is absolutely evident that the direction and weight of Pickford’s distribution is significantly superior than any of the back four.

So why shouldn’t he demand the ball, if the only aim is to push it forward with a modicum of accuracy?

The style is not beautiful on the eye, but it has proven efficient throughout a campaign in which Everton would sit 12th if not for their ten-point deduction. But if Sean Dyche is set on it, then his £30m goalkeeper should play a significant part.

After all, if not for him they have very few playmakers within their backline, and a midfield that is frightened to come and ask for the ball.

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