Everton have really high hopes for young goalkeeper George Pickford.
George Pickford has the most clean sheets in the PL2 this season, so Everton decided it was time for the England youth international to head out on loan.
Pickford has joined Southport for the remainder of the season and he won Man of the Match on his debut against Hereford.
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Speaking after the game, the 19-year-old opened up on his first experience in men’s football and how he’s still going to be learning off Jordan Pickford in Everton training.
George Pickford speaks after making Southport debut
Pickford was interviewed after making his debut in the 5-1 win against Hereford on Saturday afternoon.
“It was unbelievable to obviously be with the lads, be with the new team, and to put up a performance like that, I just think tops of the day really,” the Everton loanee told Southport’s X account.
“Coming in, getting a lot of experience with the lads, but also helping the club because it’s near relegation. But I think those three points are massive for us, we just need to move forward and onto Buxton.
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Everton's Braiden Graham inspecting the pitch before the match during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton. Everton midfielder Malik Olayiwola. Justin Clarke of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Accrington Stanley and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto/Matt McNulty.
“It’s going to be unbelievable for me to build that physicality side and also playing with men. It’s also going to be much better than the PL2, I’ve done well in that, but I think now it’s time to get that loan and I’ve got it.
“Yeah it’s going to be good because I’m still going to be training with the first-team at Everton but I’m also going to be here playing games.”
George Pickford learns so much from Jordan Pickford
Pickford signed a new contract before he joined Southport on loan, as his previous deal was due to expire this summer.
The teenager was attracting interest from Germany, so the club tied him down to fresh terms until June 2028.
After putting pen to paper, the shot-stopper told Everton’s website about how influential Jordan Pickford has been in his short career.
“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.
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Everton striker Braiden Graham. Everton manager David Moyes.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Visionhaus.
“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.”
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