Jordan Pickford

[bluesb1970]

Every Sunderland fan I've seen says he's a lot better than Mignolet was.

Still, it's a fair point. A shot stopper in the firing line is a different kettle of fish to a keeper who often won't have many saves to make.

Our average shots (on target) against is 3.8 this season and Sunderland is 6.4. I don't see that as a huge difference TBH.

 

[Azzurri]

His command of the penalty area is a big question mark for me too.

But then I'd be in a state of terror with that back four in front of me. I imagine coming for crosses would be difficult when one of your centre backs could just boot it in his own net at any minute.

Seconds after posting that Sky Sports News showed Mannone getting outjumped by Peter Crouch to concede. One of Sunderland's centre backs was on the wing 50 yards out failing to stop a long ball, one centre back blocked off the wrong man and everyone else just stood 10 yards away watching Crouch jump.

Not surprised there's question marks over Pickford's command of his area.

 

[Nymzee]

One of the biggest reasons I like him is his maturity. If you watch back his saves he's always straight on his feet bollocking senior defenders even at 23. Pushing a shot for a corner and the defenders come over to him to celebrate whilst he's shouting at them to get the short corner or back in position is just great to see.

There are a lot of great shot stoppers out there that are timid and I just don't see this lad shirking from the task at hand.

 

[pablo 1878]

I can't say I've seen much of Sunderland or Pickford over the season but I wasn't that impressed with him when we played them at Goodison. Positionally he was a bit all over the place and he seemed to spill more than he caught. Unfair to judge someone on one performance tbf

 

[davids]

It's not about the sheer number of saves he makes, that's not why people rate Pickford, or it shouldn't be.

Correct it shouldn't be,but I've a feeling it is.If we are really going to make a serious bid for CL next season we need to sign the finished article.Who that might be,what he would cost,and if he would come...?

 

[nsno-chris]

All goalkeepers are good shot stoppers, if they weren't they wouldn't be in PL.

What separates the good from the exceptional is things like positional sense, anticipation and command of the area. Pickford lacks all these

 

[KaiserEFC]

Haven't really seen too much of Pickford, tbh but he seems highly rated

 

[banno]

I can't say I've seen much of Sunderland or Pickford over the season but I wasn't that impressed with him when we played them at Goodison. Positionally he was a bit all over the place and he seemed to spill more than he caught. Unfair to judge someone on one performance tbf

Think he was just back from injury so it was his first game in a long while. Yes he did look rusty and hopefully (only if we actually get him) that's all it was and is back into his stride.

 

[banno]

All goalkeepers are good shot stoppers, if they weren't they wouldn't be in PL.

What separates the good from the exceptional is things like positional sense, anticipation and command of the area. Pickford lacks all these

I disagree. Positional sense and anticipation is quite good. Command of the area is what I am unsure about

 

[bluestevon]

...all goalies should be good shot stoppers, it's the other things that make the difference. Like you, I have my doubts and I'm not sure about his size but I remember think the same about De Gea. This lad is young and will be far from the finished article but if it's who the management team want then it's ok with me.

same size as Big Nev mate, and Nev wasnt exactly built back in the day

 

[bluestevon]

All goalkeepers are good shot stoppers, if they weren't they wouldn't be in PL.

What separates the good from the exceptional is things like positional sense, anticipation and command of the area. Pickford lacks all these

Claudio Bravo is a good shot stopper then according to you mate?

 

[JLW]

All goalkeepers are good shot stoppers, if they weren't they wouldn't be in PL.

What separates the good from the exceptional is things like positional sense, anticipation and command of the area. Pickford lacks all these

David Seaman had this in abundance, Excellent keeper. Not very often you would see Seaman diving full stretch to make a save because of his positional sense.

 

[bluestevon]

...all goalies should be good shot stoppers, it's the other things that make the difference. Like you, I have my doubts and I'm not sure about his size but I remember think the same about De Gea. This lad is young and will be far from the finished article but if it's who the management team want then it's ok with me.

What I do like about him mate, is that he seems VERY good anticipating (some have said his positional sense is poor - i disagree tbh) and with his pace he can cover ground most other keepers can't - and think some are seeing that as 'bad positioning' when in reality it's knowing exactly what your capable of in terms of making up the distance etc

 

[Eggsyblueskin]

Despite the outbreak of pessimism over this possible signing, it is worth noting that he is very highly regarded within the game by professionals. Of even more import to me is the fact that Sunderland fans rate him highly. Whenever possible I always value the opinions of fans who see him every week as the best indicator of the players abilities.

 

[MikeH72]

All goalkeepers are good shot stoppers, if they weren't they wouldn't be in PL.

What separates the good from the exceptional is things like positional sense, anticipation and command of the area. Pickford lacks all these

Don't know how you've concluded that mate. He wouldn't physically be able to make that many saves if he had poor positional sense.