Sunderland goalkeeping coach Adrian Tucker has said that Everton’s £30 million signing Jordan Pickford has the potential to be England’s number one.
The former keeper was quoted in The Sun as saying that he knew Pickford would be a star as soon as he watched him play.
Tucker watched the England Under-21 back in 2015 when he faced Yeovil while on loan at League One side Bradford, and Pickford impressed the coach with his confidence and mental strength.
Tucker said in The Sun: “The game was only five minutes in when a cross came in and he got clattered by one of Yeovil’s strikers. He got up straight away, shook it off and did not show he was hurt. I thought to myself, ‘You’ll do for me, son’.
“He showed me back then his mental strength. Another challenge came in minutes later and again he dealt with it. Nothing fazes him.
“The mental side of the game is probably his biggest strength.”
Last week the 23-year-old became the most expensive English goalkeeper, and the third highest in the world after Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon who cost £33 million, and Manchester City’s new £35 million keeper Ederson.
Now, Tucker believes that the England Under-21 star is up there with the best keepers in the world, and will have the room to grow and develop at Goodison Park.
Tucker added: “His handling technique is good and his distribution up there with the best in the world – he’s got all the clubs in the bag. He’ll be up for the challenge to prove himself to be a top keeper.
“He has the potential to be England’s number one.”
Pickford will face the challenge under Ronald Koeman as he remains in the Premier League with his new club, after his efforts weren’t enough to prevent his former club from being relegated.
The 23-year-old showed he was a valuable asset for the Black Cats throughout the season with a stunning display of stops and blocks.