The bizarre instruction David Moyes gave Jordan Pickford when he rejoined Everton which is now paying off

Jordan Pickford’s resurgence as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League can be attributed to a peculiar instruction given by his former manager, David Moyes. When Pickford rejoined Everton from Sunderland in 2017, Moyes, who was then the manager of West Ham United, shared some valuable advice with the young goalkeeper.

According to sources close to the player, Moyes told Pickford to focus on improving his distribution and passing range. Moyes emphasized the importance of Pickford becoming a “sweeper-keeper,” someone who could not only make incredible saves but also dictate the tempo of the game with his precise passing.

At first, Pickford was taken aback by Moyes’ instruction. He had always been focused on making spectacular saves and had never really prioritized his distribution. However, he took Moyes’ advice to heart and began working tirelessly on his passing range and technique.

Fast-forward to the present, and it’s clear that Moyes’ instruction has paid off in a big way. Pickford has developed into one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in the Premier League, known for his exceptional shot-stopping, distribution, and leadership.

Pickford’s improved distribution has been particularly noticeable, as he has developed a keen sense of when to play short passes to his defenders and when to go long and switch the point of attack. His ability to pick out a pass and start a counter-attack has been a key factor in Everton’s success this season.

Moyes’ influence on Pickford’s development cannot be overstated. The former Everton manager’s emphasis on the importance of distribution and passing range has helped shape Pickford into the well-rounded goalkeeper he is today.

Pickford’s resurgence is a testament to the value of taking constructive criticism and advice on board. By focusing on improving his distribution and passing range, Pickford has added another dimension to his game, making him an even more formidable presence in the Everton goal.

As the season enters its final stretch, Pickford will be crucial to Everton’s hopes of securing a top-seven finish. With his improved distribution and passing range, he will be looking to dictate the tempo of the game and help his team achieve their goals. David Moyes’ bizarre instruction may have seemed unusual at the time, but it has undoubtedly paid off in the long run.