Chelsea warned not to sign 'extremely average' England starter

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 14 Dec 2022 11:17 GMT
• 2 min read

Chelsea have been warned off signing an ‘extremely average’ player, according to their former goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon, after being linked with a move for one of England’s undisputed starters.

The Blues are thought to be considering a move for Everton’s Jordan Pickford as they look to solve their goalkeeping issue, with manager Graham Potter seemingly unconvinced by the credentials of both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy.

Pickford kept three clean sheets from five games at the 2022 World Cup but the 28-year-old was criticised by Lollichon for his role in Olivier Giroud’s second goal during England’s quarter final defeat against France.

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Lollichon said: “I saw the controversy started by English journalists who preferred Jordan Pickford to Hugo Lloris. But the English journalists who judge the goalkeepers are as good as the English goalkeepers. It's absolutely ridiculous.

“Pickford is extremely average and that shows the level of specialists in England. As soon as one of them makes four saves and multiplies that over a few matches, he is selectable. On Giroud's second goal, Pickford is almost behind his line when Griezmann crosses.”

Is Pickford the answer to Chelsea’s goalkeeping concerns?

Lollichon spent nine years coaching Chelsea’s first-team keepers before becoming the club’s head of department for goalkeeping in 2016 and the Frenchman is clearly not impressed by the speculation linking Pickford to Stamford Bridge.

Pickford has had a turbulent time since joining Everton in 2017 and establishing himself as England’s number one, although the 28-year-old has bounced back from a poor run of form.

However, Pickford has made 13 errors leading to goals since signing for the Toffees – more than any other Premier League player in that period.

The ex-Sunderland shotstopper has also been mocked by rival fans for his ‘small arms’, having seen a number of goals go past his fingertips.

At 6 foot 1 inches, Pickford is certainly at the shorter end for the traditional height of goalkeepers and, despite his improved performances, his signing would not remove the doubts that surround Kepa and his stature or tendency for errors.

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The Blues also are optimistic on the potential of 18-year-old Gabriel Slonina, who will link up with Chelsea this winter after his loan with Chicago Fire, whom he signed from in August.

While Pickford may be affordable as he is entering the final 18 months of his Everton contract, the England international may not be a significant step up from Chelsea’s current options and may only represent a temporary solution to a long-term problem.