Jordan Pickford says an intense focus on improving “tiny details” technically, tactically and mentally has been instrumental to his impressive Everton form.
In an expansive interview with the Everton Matchday Programme for the New Year's Day home clash with West Ham United, the England number one opens up on the steps he has taken in his quest to “be the best goalkeeper I can be”.
WATCH PICKFORD ANALYSE HIS TOP FIVE PREMIER LEAGUE SAVES IN THE VIDEO ABOVE OR HERE
Pickford explains the benefits of working on “one percenters” with Everton goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly, whose football knowledge, he says, “is second to none”.
The Blues shot-stopper also reveals he has been having sessions with a sports psychologist for the past six months.
“We cover a lot of bases: mentality and how to be better in all aspects,” Pickford says.
“He [the sports psychologist] can help me develop my thinking… and learn how to cope with various things and get through sticky patches.
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“When I am on top form it gives the lads the strongest opportunity to win games, which puts smiles on fans’ faces.
“It’s something mainly for me – but it affects a lot of other things, which help Everton.”
Pickford adds: “I am in a brilliant place.
“I feel I have been in a good period for a while.
“But you are never the finished article – you can’t be happy staying at a certain level. You need to be pushed to be a better keeper and to always demand more from yourself.”
Read the full version of Pickford’s interview in Everton’s matchday programme for the New Year’s Day game against West Ham United.
Copies are available online or at Everton One next to Goodison.
Supporters attending the game can purchase an issue inside the stadium – where only contactless payment is accepted.
Pickford has been an important figure in Everton’s rise up the Premier League table.
The Toffees head into the New Year’s Day showdown with West Ham on the back of four successive top-flight wins. Over the course of those victories against Chelsea, Leicester City, Arsenal and Sheffield United, Everton have conceded just one goal.
Pickford outlined the squad’s hunger to deliver success for the Blues’ loyal and passionate support.
“Everyone at the Club wants to be part of a winning and successful team,” he says.
“It is my fourth season and we haven’t quite got where the Club or players want to be.
“We don’t want to be feeling relaxed and settling for being a normal top-10 team.
“We know how passionate the fans are, we are not stupid as players, we know how much the badge means to Evertonians.
“We want to give something back to them.”
The latest Everton Matchday Programme also features a fascinating exclusive interview with former Toffees midfielder Stuart McCall. David Unsworth provides an insight into his new role as Director of Academy, Everton Women boss Willie Kirk explains why goalkeeper Sandy MacIver can be “the best in the world”, and you can learn more about Under-23s defender Con Ouzoundis as he answers questions on all manner of subjects in our ’Randoms’ feature.
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti and captain Seamus Coleman, meanwhile, write their respective notes to supporters.
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