Jordan Pickford has been backed to re-establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world by former Everton and Liverpool shot-stopper Sander Westerveld.
Joining the Blues in 2017 from Sunderland, the 26-year-old enjoyed an impressive start to his Goodison career as he was named the club’s Player of the Season before helping England finish fourth at the 2018 World Cup.
However, recent campaigns have been marred by high-profile mistakes with the Everton number one’s position being called into question as a result.
Carlo Ancelotti has occasionally rotated Pickford, who returned after missing four games through injury in midweek, with loanee Robin Olsen this season, but Westerveld has backed t he England international to rediscover his confidence ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
“There's a lot more pressure on players now,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports. “In our day, we could just say 'we don't read the papers.'
“Now, with social media and the internet, it is everywhere and everybody sees it, everybody knows (about) it.
“It is a big season for him (Pickford) and a lot of pressure but hopefully he gains the confidence again and can play freely.”
He continued: “It's the big pressure that goalkeepers have and if you are unlucky enough to make a mistake that costs you points, then the pressure can build up.
“Every game you want to win points for the team and if that doesn't work, you can do things you don't normally do just to prove yourself.
“It's a lot of pressure and it's all about confidence. He just has to find that switch in his head but I think he is playing really well the last few matches.
“He just needs to find that switch to get a lot of confidence and play the way he can. He can be one of the best goalkeepers in the world because he is very complete.
“If he can get a couple of clean sheets and make some match-winning saves, then he is back.”
