Jordan Pickford: 'David de Gea is best goalkeeper in the world'

Everton's Jordan Pickford has hailed Manchester United counterpart David de Gea as the best goalkeeper in world football.

Watford shot-stopper Ben Foster last week described De Gea as the "Lionel Messi of goalkeepers", despite criticism of his form during this summer's World Cup and at the start of this season.

Pickford also ranks the Spaniard as the best in the world in his position, and insists that he will learn from his mistakes as he looks to put his own name in the conversation of the best keepers.

"De Gea is probably the best in the world right now. As a goalkeeper you want to be the best but you can only get better by playing games, making saves and putting in man-of-the-match performances," Pickford is quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

"Manuel Neuer is up there as well but he was out injured for most of last season so it opened up for De Gea to get to that status. I am mentally strong,. The important thing is to react well to your mistakes. If the next thing you do in that game is something good, that's OK.

"I don't put pressure on myself. I hate making mistakes and I hate conceding goals, but I try not to beat myself up too much. I was fuming at the pass I made in the West Ham game but I think the lad showed great skill when he picked it up and it was a good finish. All you can do is hold your hands up and say: 'Sorry lads.' It's all part of learning."

Pickford is yet to keep a clean sheet for Everton this season.