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Peter Crouch comments on Everton’s Jordan Pickford, after horror tackle against Liverpool
that Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will “deeply regret” his tackle on Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk – which has ruled the Netherlands captain out for the majority of the 2020-21 campaign.
Van Dijk, 29, was on the receiving end of a knee-high, studs-up tackle form Pickford. However, the England goalkeeper did not receive any punishment as VAR ruled there was an offside decision in the lead up to the tackle.
However, van Dijk has been ruled out for eight months as the ex-Southampton and Celtic giant suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage. It is expected to rule van Dijk out for the majority of the season, and perhaps the entire campaign.
Asked about the tackle, Crouch stated it was potentially career-ending. He believes the tackle is proof that Pickford is lacking in confidence, and suggested the ex-Sunderland man will be full of regret at his attempts to win the ball.
“It was a shocker. I called it a leg-breaker on BT Sport and I haven’t changed my mind,” “That was the kind of challenge that can end a career and it gave me an indication of Pickford’s state of mind. His confidence has evaporated.
“It has had calamitous consequences and I suspect he will deeply regret it. What amazed me was the fact he didn’t get a red card. A potentially career-ending foul doesn’t get penalised? I’m sorry, I can’t work that one out.”
TBR’s view – Does Pickford deserve retrospective action?
Yes. For VAR not to use common sense and fail to even reprimand Pickford for the tackle, simply because it occurred after an offside, is proof that Pickford is not the only once lacking confident – but also those controlling VAR at Stockley Park.
Common sense woukd judge that Pickford needed to walk and no-one could argue that decision. His tackle is horrendous. It has damaged an enormous blow to Liverpool’s title hopes. At least a three-match ban should be expected.
