Do you know what a pickpocket is?

Usually we use this to describe someone who steals something from a person's pocket, such as a wallet, purse or mobile phone.

For example:
"When I was at the station, someone picked my pocket and took my new iPhone."

But did you know that you can also have pickpockets in football?

What do you think this sentence means?
"Harry Kane had his pocket picked by John Stones?"

If you guessed that it means that John Stones tackled Harry Kane and took the ball from him then you are correct.

This phrase especially works well if someone is tackled by surprise from behind. e.g. "The forward wasn't aware the defender was behind him and had his pocket picked."

This is just one of hundreds of idioms that are used when talking about football.

If you'd like to learn more idioms then please request my 'Let's talk! Premier League Football' lesson. We can have fun talking about the latest football news and study videos to learn new vocabulary and listening skills.