Duncan Ferguson and Peter Crouch agree on ‘world class’ Everton star after Liverpool draw

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has drawn widespread praise from Duncan Ferguson and Peter Crouch for his display in Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool.

The 28-year-old put in an inspired display in a 0-0 stalemate, producing a number of high-quality saves to help the Toffees pick up a valuable point against their bitter rivals - much to the delight of former Toffees striker Ferguson.

Speaking on BT Sport after the final whistle, the Everton legend said: “He’s a big game player, isn’t he? He’s obviously done it for England as well, so he’s got that experience at that level.

“He was absolutely fantastic today, but I don’t think it was just about Everton’s goalkeeper today. I think Everton did very very well.

“Jordan was a part of that. He made a lot of great saves to keep them in the game at the right time.”

Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch added: “He gets a lot of criticism, for whatever reason.

“He’s made big errors at times, but he’s still a top class goalkeeper. He proved it today.

“For me, the way’s playing, and the way he’s played today especially, it’s the reason why he’s England’s number one.

“Some of those saves were world class, they really were.”

Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand echoed Crouch’s claims, suggesting that Pickford’s form will greatly please England manager Gareth Southgate.

He said: “If there’s one man outside of Liverpool who will be rubbing his hands together if he can continue this kind of form, it will be Gareth Southgate.

“If you’re going to do anything in big performances and big games, you’re going to need your goalkeeper to be performing.”