'That's why he's a world-class goalkeeper' - Ex-African POTY says Pickford is back in form

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has revealed that Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has proved that he's back to his best in the last couple of games in the Premier League.

The England star was unarguably the star performer as the Toffees climbed out of the relegation zone after a hard fought 2-1 road win over Kelechi Iheanacho's Leicester City on Sunday.

Pickford made two astonishing saves to deny Harvey Barnes from finding the net and flung himself across goal to keep out an effort from Nampalys Mendy.

The 28-year-old also made a series of excellent saves in the 1-0 win versus Chelsea, preventing Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic from getting on the scoresheet.

Ikpeba noted that there were doubts over Pickford while Rafael Benítez was in charge of the Goodison Park outfit.

Speaking on SuperSport's Monday Night Football, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Ikpeba stated : "He's back in form at the right time. If you look at Everton this season when Benitez was still there he was poor, a lot of games in the past he was terrible.

"His defence let him down in some ways but he conceded some silly goals. He's back in form at the right time fighting to escape relegation with his team

"The last two games he has saved Everton, that's why he's a world-class goalkeeper, it's not a fluke for you to be the goalkeeper of the England national team.

"I am happy for him, I am happy for Alex Iwobi, a lot of quality in this team. If they beat Watford in their coming game I think they will survive."

Everton are one of six clubs who have never been relegated from the Premier League since its inception in 1992, the others being Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : evertonfc.com

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