While plenty of Everton’s players can be accused of underperforming throughout the season, most supporters have taken it easy on Jordan Pickford.
Pickford has saved the Toffees from absolute humiliation on occasion this term and has impressed for England on his senior debut against Germany last week.
The goalkeeper became the third most expensive goalkeeper in history following his £25 million move from Sunderland in the summer but Joey Barton believes Pickford is struggling to back up that price tag.
Barton, speaking on talkSPORT, showered former Burnley teammate Michael Keane with praise and insisted that he was being dragged down by the other players in Everton’s defence, as well as Pickford between the sticks.
“Michael Keane is top class – top drawer defender, no doubt about it,” Barton said on the Alan Brazil Breakfast Show, as transcribed by HITC.
“What’s happened is he’s gone into a back four that’s protecting itself. You’ve got (Leighton) Baines who’s played well in recent weeks but is not at his best. (Phil) Jagielka, (Ashley) Williams – the same. You’ve got the young kid (Jonjoe) Kenny who’s got a lot of improving to do.
“I’ll tell you who I think is getting away with murder – the Cat. The Cat’s all over the joint – Pickford. He keeps pushing stuff out. The goal he gives away the other day he palms it straight out. People are forgetting that he got relegated last year.
“In my opinion there’s a lack of communication, I think (Idrissa) Gueye and (Morgan) Schniederlin in front of them aren’t helping. I think they vacate the middle all the time.
“Everton are in serious trouble.”
