Picture of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (Credit: Imago).
Jonathan Burnett
Sat 30 November 2024 14:10, UK
Jordan Pickford stayed behind from Everton training to watch their Under-18s take on Liverpool at Finch Farm, Joe Thomas has said.
The Liverpool Echo journalist posted on X (30 November) from the club’s training ground as the two sides played out an Under-18s Merseyside derby, having noticed Pickford watching from the sidelines.
Sean Dyche’s first-team side had trained earlier in the day ahead of facing Manchester United on Sunday (1 December), yet Pickford appears to be the only player who stayed behind to watch the U18s.
Jordan Pickford shows commitment to Everton at Finch Farm
With the likes of Northern Ireland youth international Braiden Graham playing up top for the Toffees’ U18s, Pickford will have been keeping a keen eye on the next generation of Evertonian talent.
Malik Olayiwola and Joel Catesby, also namechecked by Thomas, are two other players whom Pickford and those keen on the club’s youth team progress will be keeping an eye out for in the future.
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
Dyche hasn’t been against giving minutes to academy players this season, starting Roman Dixon at right-back against Tottenham, but a Premier League relegation battle is too soon for most of their U18s.
Under-21s regular Harrison Armstrong has also been given first-team game-time as Dyche looks to lift his side away from the bottom three, with Pickford of course having a huge part to play in that.
The England number one remains one of the most important and experienced players Dyche can rely on, but it appears the club’s youth teams can also rely on him for their support in the biggest games.
In other Everton news, an update has been shared on the odds of Jack Harrison completing a permanent move to Goodison Park.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts