Jordan Pickford explains the value of senior football - regardless of the level - in the development of a young goalkeeper as Everton teenager George Pickford earns experience at Southport
George Pickford (left) will hope to follow Jordan Pickford (right) in becoming Everton's No.1
George Pickford (left) will hope to follow Jordan Pickford (right) in becoming Everton's No.1
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Everton and England number one Jordan Pickford believes gaining experience in men's football is a "non-negotiable" for a developing goalkeeper, regardless of the standard.
The Blues shotstopper plied his trade in the Conference Premier while building his reputation at Sunderland, his first loan deals including stints at Alfreton Town and Darlington.
His verdict on the value of those moves came as Everton academy prospect George Pickford tastes first team football for the first time after joining Southport on loan in February. The move is a positive one for the elder of the pair, who thinks the Northern Premier League can offer his teammate a solid grounding as he seeks to progress.
George has enjoyed an excellent season in Everton’s youth setup. The 19-year-old has impressed as Paul Tait’s go-to keeper in the Under-21s and had more clean sheets in Premier League 2 than anyone else when he left on loan last month.
His move to Southport came after stepping up more regularly to train with the first team following the sale of Harry Tyrer to Cardiff City in January and only after he penned a new deal that will extend his stay with the Blues until 2028.
After excelling in the academy set-up this season his move to the Sandgrounders raised a few eyebrows, with some supporters questioning how much he could learn by dropping down to the National League North for his first taste of senior football. But the opportunity was one that had to be taken according to Jordan who, long before he became a household name, learned the skill of his trade by doing precisely what his namesake (no relation) has now done.
As well as stints at Darlington and Alfreton Town, he also moved into the Football League with Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City and Preston. When he made his Premier League debut for Sunderland in 2016 it meant he had played in the top five leagues of the English pyramid by the age of 21.
Jordan, therefore, is a big believer that the difference between men’s football and the academy set-up is so big that it is a leap worth making as soon as possible - that it is the physical difference that is more valuable than anything to do with standards or tactics.
He said: “I think it's a non-negotiable as a goalkeeper. If you've got a bit of talent, if you've got that talent there as a keeper, you've got to go out on loan as quick as you can to the lower leagues. I did it and it put me in good stead. I can only use my experience but I feel like mine's a perfect example.”
Jordan has played an active role in George’s development - support that has extended beyond his protege wearing his gloves. When he signed his new deal, George explained: “It’s unbelievable to train with him, especially when you watch him when he plays for the first team and you see how good he is. But you see all the stuff you don’t see in games – and how much he helps you, too. I’m only 19, and he’s always there to improve you and help you as much as he can. He’ll always give the right advice, and I’ll always take it on board.”
Jordan’s advice has been that George should take the opportunity - as he has done. Jordan said: “I couldn't harp on any more for George to go out on loan. Whether it's Conference North, North West Counties, whatever division, it doesn't really matter a lot, when you go and play men's football, you'll learn your trade and George will do well.
“Next year he might go National League or even League Two, it's about doing well, going there and enjoying it. You'll soon man up a bit more. It'll be a lot different to playing U21s or U18s football.”
George has already made an impression in Southport, earning man of the match on his debut against Hereford United - his side won that 5-1 but for much of the first half the game was in the balance because of a string of saves that stopped the Bulls from running away with the match. He then followed that with a clean sheet against Buxton and helping Southport earn a point in a 1-1 draw at promotion-chasing Kidderminster Harriers.
A recall to Everton (where he continues to train in the week) as the club assessed a finger injury suffered by Mark Travers halted his momentum but he has since returned. The hope is that George’s move should help two of the Blues’ academy keepers. While George gets his first taste of senior action, his loan has opened up the opportunity for Douglass Lukjanciks - who like George has been involved in the England youth set up - to move up from the U18s and gain experience at a higher age level.
*Players were referred to by first name to avoid confusion. A version of this article first appeared in the ECHO's Royal Blue newsletter, available here