'He's looked as sharp as a tack' - David Moyes heaps praise on 'lean' Jordan Pickford as Everton star makes stunning save

The defining moment of the match arrived while the scoreline was still goalless, as Crystal Palace pushed for an opener. Adam Wharton delivered a precise ball over the top of the Everton defence, finding Eddie Nketiah in a dangerous position. The former Arsenal striker had time to pick his spot, but Pickford showed remarkable reflexes to leap to his left and tip the goalbound strike away with his fingertips.

Pickford’s intervention allowed the Toffees to settle into their rhythm, eventually leading to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall putting the home side ahead just before the interval. The second half saw Thierno Barry double the lead after a magnificent cross from Iliman Ndiaye, turning what could have been a nervy afternoon into a comfortable three points.

Moyes has revealed his admiration for Pickford’s professionalism and physical condition. Despite having less than a fortnight to prepare for the new Premier League campaign after England's deep run into the World Cup, the 32-year-old shot-stopper looks to be in the best shape of his career.

Speaking to the media, the Blues boss was glowing in his assessment of the goalkeeper's impact. Moyes stated: “It was brilliant from Jordan. It really was. I have to say, if I've got any praise for Jordan, it’s the training he's done when he came back, he's looked as sharp as a tack. I think he looks lean. I think he's kept himself in good condition, he's got himself ready. I have liked the look of Jordan since he's come back into training after the World Cup."

Moyes acknowledged that without Pickford’s heroics, the result could have been very different, particularly given the youthful nature of the squad he was forced to field due to various injuries to senior personnel. With key midfielders Jimmy Garner and Christian Norgaard unavailable, the responsibility fell on the senior core to ensure the team did not buckle under early pressure.

"It was good because we've lost a couple at the moment, we've not got Jimmy Garner, we've not got [Christian] Norgaard, so we're playing with a really, really young and inexperienced team. The goalkeeper made a save, which could have made a difference. If they score we might have been having to chase the game in a different way, and maybe these younger players aren't ready for that. Once we get the goal, they were able to play with a little bit more comfort," Moyes explained.

Pickford’s performance was particularly noteworthy given the debate surrounding his recent England displays. While he was a hero in the dramatic victory over Mexico, his role in Argentina’s equaliser during the 2-1 semi-final defeat drew criticism. Facing his primary England rival, Dean Henderson, in the opposing goal on Saturday, Pickford delivered the perfect response to those who have questioned his starting spot for the national team. Pickford and Everton are now turning their focus to the Carabao Cup away match against Championship club Preston on Wednesday.