It was difficult to watch Tim Howard, playing for Everton. The unexpected realization that he was, indeed a mere mortal, against the backdrop of all those heroic performances for the USA, was a big let down. Similarly, Pickford looked more 'puffy' than 'super' when NUFC visited Goodison Park this past season. But, right now, as dialed up as he is - I think the underdog wins the final!
He walked their player of the year, and cemented himself as England’s number 1. Think he did alright.
Everton spent £50 million on a goalie and a centerback, and yet only 5 teams in the EPL conceded more goals. Pickford does not have a dominating physical presence. Instead, he relies upon reflex and delivery to influence the match. As such, he has never projected an air of invincibility, until right now. Enjoy the ride. In the 2014 WC, Tim Howard had 16 saves against Belgium, so incredible was his performance, that Fifa gave him a drug test. The next season, he became Everton's #2.
Probably why americans have yet to get football. Your sports are mostly about who is the biggest, fastest, strongest.
That's exactly true. We haven't figured out how to produce elite players yet. What we do have, is a lot of players at the same skill level - so who do you pick? The biggest, strongest, fastest, of course.
Tim Howard Appearances 399 Clean sheets 132 Wins 173 Losses 102 Goalkeeping Saves 992 Penalties saved 7 Punches 193 High Claims 538 Catches 246 Sweeper clearances 146 Throw outs 2,158 Goal Kicks 3,354 Defence Clean sheets 132 Goals conceded 385 Errors leading to goal 17 Own goals 1 Discipline Yellow cards 16 Red cards 1 Fouls 11 Team Play Goals 1 Assists 3 Passes 6,687 Passes per match 16.76 Accurate long balls 1,754