Everton’s U21 side were in action at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening against Real Madrid’s youngsters.
An emphasis is being put on Everton to pull through more academy players who could eventually impact the senior side.
David Moyes has not shown a great deal of faith in some of his own youngsters this season, with Tyler Dibling able to vouch for that.
Over recent weeks, Everton have called-up some youngsters to first-team training during the international breaks.
None of those players have earned any minutes on the pitch, but they are being handed an opportunity to some extent by Moyes.
And there is one player who really shone on Wednesday night in their U21s clash at Goodison Park.
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George Pickford turns Everton hero against Real Madrid
Everton coaches have been impressed with George Pickford during the few call-ups to first-team training he has received since Moyes returned to Merseyside.
With Jordan Pickford unlikely to be moved from the starting spot in the Everton side, the U21 shot stopper must continue to impress at youth level.
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On Wednesday night, he did just that by stopping a Real Madrid penalty at the Old Lady.
Pickford denied Manuel Angel from the spot as Everton battled Real Madrid with just 10-men.
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Everton did lose the game 2-0, but there were individual moments from the likes of Pickford that may have caught the attention of Moyes and the other first team coaches.
The hottest prospect to emerge from Everton’s academy in recent years is Harrison Armstrong, who is yet to really ply his trade for the senior side on Merseyside.
Armstrong has really shone for Preston North End in his second professional loan stint, but it may be a sign that Pickford may need to consider a possible loan exit.
Everton ready to loan out one young goalkeeper already
Ahead of the January transfer window, it is understood that Everton could loan out or sell Harry Tyrer as he continues to struggle for minutes.
However, there could be an argument made for Pickford to be the goalkeeper loaned out to develop his game at the senior level.
Pickford has excelled in the Premier League 2, where he has racked up more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the division.
With a huge task in front of him in the shape of Jordan Pickford, it could make a lot of sense for the 18-year-old to be sent to a League Two side to experience men’s football.
The only issue may be finding the right destination for a goalkeeper midway through the season.
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