David Moyes has warned Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the Sun he should hire a personal chef to avoid the poor diet that could undermine his development into one of the world’s outstanding goalkeepers.
Pickford’s reputation has soared after his outstanding displays for England at the World Cup, which have firmly established him as the national side’s number one.
Ex-Goodison boss Moyes, who blooded the 24-year-old during his time as Sunderland manager, has urged the keeper – who the Sun report “enjoyed a drink and junk food” – to keep a close eye on what he eats and drinks.
“He was always going to reach the top level because he’s got the ability,” Moyes told the Sun. “It was always about him putting the hours in, making sure he eats well and lives well.
“He looks much leaner now and he’s got himself in really good physical condition. But now it is up to him to maintain and improve on his standards.
“So many of the players now have their own chef and that might be one of the things Jordan could do if he’s looking to gain that one per cent extra.”
OPINION
Pickford should certainly take heed of the words of his former manager. Moyes has nearly two decades of management experience under his belt and knows his onions, and what is required to be a top-level performer. And how to stay at the top. The best players make sacrifices to be the best they can be, and that includes living the right way, spurning nights out and eating super-healthily. Just look at Cristiano Ronaldo to see how far super dedication can take a player, and for how long. Pickford demonstrated at the World Cup that he can join the likes of David de Gea, Manuel Neuer and Thibaut Courtois in the top bracket of elite keepers if he looks after himself properly and makes the correct decisions. That means staying off the booze and junk food. There is a right time to have the odd drink or pizza, and wind down, but the key is for it to be an occasional treat and not a regular one.