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Ex-Everton fullback Ball: Pickford kicking a liability

Michael Ball has criticised Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after their 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

The former Everton fullback feels Pickford's kicking created self-inflicted problems for his teammates on Saturday.

He wrote in the Liverpool Echo: "We had to rely on three fantastic saves from Pickford in one-versus-one situations – including one which he didn't know was offside – that's what he does best, his shot-stopping is second to none and that's why he's England's number one but I felt he had a very poor game in terms of putting us under pressure when there was no need to.

"Yes we can all have off days and Jordan likes to tell his team-mates when they do something wrong but I don't see anyone saying anything to Jordan when he makes a mistake. Some people don't think it's a good look when they see Jordan shouting and screaming at his team-mates but it doesn't bother me.

"I didn't mind it as a player, either giving it out or taking it. I'd expect if Duncan Ferguson was playing, he'd be saying something to Jordan Pickford.

"He made the wrong decisions with his kicking and puts us under pressure. The way Sean Dyche sets up, wanting us to be compact, it's really important for Jordan to get his kicks right."

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Paul Vegas

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