Blackpool skipper earns his head coach's support

The 30-year-old was in heroic form on Tuesday night, making a string of miraculous saves to help the Seasiders record a vital 1-0 win against Sunderland.

It certainly wasn’t a one-off though, with Maxwell having kept 19 clean sheets this season and Pool conceding just 37 goals in 43 games.

Only league leaders Hull City have recorded more shutouts – with 20 – and conceded fewer goals with 36.

“I wouldn’t swap him for anyone else,” Critchley said.

“That’s not just because of his goalkeeping, because he pulled off some incredible saves on Tuesday night.

“He’s the captain of the team for a reason. He’s a fantastic man, a great leader, a great communicator and he leads from the front even though he plays from the back in goal.

“It was a bit of torture late on against Sunderland, but there’s something quite enjoyable about it as well. I enjoyed seeing our players put their bodies on the line and fight out that win.

“For some reason, you just have a sixth sense sometimes that we’ll see this game out.”

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