'Got hold of his team: Troy Deeney says one Everton player completely proved him wrong v Newcastle

Today at 09:15 AM

Everton picked up a vital point this weekend as they drew 0-0 with Newcastle and secured a much-needed clean-sheet.

The Toffees have had a big struggle all season with conceding goals and those goals have cost Sean Dyche's men plenty of points already.

However, this weekend saw Everton hold firm against a Newcastle side who are also struggling to find consistency.

A major part of Everton's resilience came from the performance came from the goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, and the two centre-halves in front of him.

And after a season where Pickford's not quite been at his very best, former Watford striker Troy Deeney has now heaped praise on the England stopper.

Troy Deeney seriously impressed by Jordan Pickford

Including Pickford in his latest team of the week for the BBC, Deeney admitted that Pickford had won him over this weekend.

"I’ve given Jordan a lot of stick over the course of this season because I think he’s played awful at times, but now I’m going to give him his flowers," Deeney said.

"I thought he played really well against Newcastle, not only with his penalty save, but I thought he was more measured and more controlled.

"He got hold of his team, claimed a clean sheet and earned them a well-deserved point."

Pickford remains key for Everton

Jordan Pickford has been a key player for Everton for a number of years now and he can count himself a touch unlucky to be involved in a struggling team.

For England, Pickford has always been a solid number one and but for the likes of Ederson, Alisson and others, he might have got a move to a top four contender.

However, Pickford's loss is Everton's gain and this weekend, it showed once again just why Pickford is so important to the Toffees.

As Deeney says here, Pickford's full repertoire was on display against Newcastle and without him, they probably lose this weekend.