Jordan Pickford is convinced Everton’s “commitment, attitude and desire” can provide a foundation for a successful 2022/23 season.
The Blues suffered a narrow defeat against a high-quality Chelsea outfit on Saturday, but Pickford saw many encouraging signs during a keenly-contested battle at Goodison Park.
Everton more than matched Chelsea for extended periods and Blues boss Frank Lampard said only a “clinical edge” was missing from his team’s performance.
Pickford – who made his 200th Everton appearance in the game – insists the squad will approach this weekend’s clash at Aston Villa with a positive mindset.
“We can take a lot of confidence from the Chelsea game,” said England's first-choice goalkeeper, who was this week joined by international teammate Conor Coady in L4.
“They’re a top side, but our commitment, attitude and desire with and without the ball were very good.
“We’ve got to take the positives from the game going into Villa, because I think there were quite a few.
“Our defensive work was very good, and I think it was a good display all-round. On another day, we could definitely have got something.
“The fans were brilliant, too, and we know we’ll start to pick up results.”
It was announced on Monday that Ben Godfrey has undergone a successful operation on the fractured fibula he sustained in the Chelsea game.
The centre-back is expected to be out for around three months and Pickford admitted it was distressing to see his teammate in pain following the injury.
The goalkeeper also expressed his belief that Mason Holgate’s impressive performance after replacing Godfrey highlights the squad’s professionalism and togetherness.
Holgate made nine clearances during the game – the third-highest total of any Premier League player over the weekend – and won three tackles.
“It was very tough to see Ben suffer an injury like that,” said Pickford, who captained Everton on Saturday in the absence of regular skipper Seamus Coleman.
“We just hope he recovers as quickly as possible.
“Mason came straight into the game and we had a spell were we had to defend a lot of corners, and he was there heading the majority of the balls away.
“That shows our team spirit – that everyone is ready to come on and contribute, even if they’re not starting.
“The commitment and desire is there.”
