Jordan Pickford believes Marco Silva’s expressive style of play will bring the best out of Everton’s players.
The Blues remain unbeaten in the Premier League after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, which saw Silva's side produce another energetic display full of attacking verve and purpose.
The performance was aided by Pickford's pinpoint distribution, with the England goalkeeper's 12 accurate long passes the most of any player on the pitch.
The 24-year-old says the players are thriving on the opportunity to express themselves under the Portuguese manager and are already putting Silva’s progressive ideas into practice on a matchday.
And while he admits there was a degree of frustration the Blues could not convert their 2-0 lead into a victory at the Vitality Stadium, he took much encouragement from another confident display.
“We know the qualities and the ability we have in the squad,” Pickford told evertonfc.com.
“The way the gaffer sets us up works really well. It’s new and fresh but everyone is buying into it. It’s really good and we’re enjoying it. We get to play out from the back and it is about managing the game.
“But set-pieces can win or lose you games and I think that is what cost us the three points against Bournemouth.
“I think, looking back, it is a good point because we’re still unbeaten. We will head into Saturday’s game against Huddersfield in good form.”
The Blues were dealt a blow in the final moments of Saturday’s match when Michael Keane – who had earlier netted his first Premier League goal for Everton – was forced off after a clash of heads.
Speaking on Sunday, the defender revealed will be out for three to four weeks with “a small hairline fracture”.
As well as his goal, Keane won five aerial battles – more than any other player on the pitch – while his 87 per cent passing accuracy was the highest of any Everton player.
Pickford was eager to praise the centre-back’s contribution at both ends of the pitch.
“We know the threat of the Bournemouth front two [Joshua King and Callum Wilson]. They’re a handful and they had been on fire in the first couple of games. We knew that was a threat and I think Michael and Mason did really well.
“Unfortunately, Michael got a head injury. That’s football, but we all wish him well and hopefully he’s back out there soon.”
Pickford is convinced the Blues’ backline will continue to improve under the tutelage of Silva.
“We’ve got a lot of competition for places,” he added. “We’ve got the likes of Mason, who has come in and done really well.
"The way the gaffer wants us to play suits us, and Bainesy and Seamus have been quality, too.
“It’s about seeing the game off now and getting better as a unit and maybe getting that third goal instead of conceding. That’s how we learn as a group and how we become better.”
