‘Nothing but praise’ – Kyle Walker thinks reported Spurs target is ‘top-class’

Kyle Walker has spoken in glowing terms of rumoured Tottenham Hotspur target Jordan Pickford, remarking that the goalkeeper never lets his country down.

While Hugo Lloris has been a fantastic servant to Spurs over the years, the Frenchman has been guilty of a few unforced errors this season, and reports have indicated over recent months that this could be his final season in North London (Evening Standard).

Journalist Graeme Bailey told TEAMtalk last month that Pickford is one of the players on the shortlist that Antonio Conte’s men have drawn to replace their captain next summer.

The journalist added that Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and Leeds’ Illan Meslier are the two other alternatives that the Lilywhites are monitoring.

The Everton number one will square off against Lloris on Saturday as England take on France in the quarterfinal of the World Cup.

In the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash, Walker waxed lyrical about the England goalkeeper for his consistency over the years.

When asked about Pickford, the Man City man said (via Beanyman Sports): “I think he’s been absolutely top class for England. I spend a lot of time with him outside of the training field and we get along really well.

“I’ve got nothing but praise to say for Jordan and congratulations on getting your 50th cap on Saturday. Hopefully, he can put in the performances he’s been putting in for the last number of years.

“To move Joe Hart off the pedestal was a big statement for him to say he’s on the international stage. He’s not let us down, he’s been fantastic and hopefully, that can continue for many years.”

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Pickford, like Lloris, perhaps does not get the respect he deserves from fans and pundits. The Everton man is a terrific shot-stopper and although he can make the occasional howler, he more than makes up for it with some of the saves he makes.

Although there are arguably younger alternatives out there, I would not complain too much if Spurs replaced Lloris with the England number one next summer.

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