OPINION
While most young footballers face a fierce fight to force their way into the first team, goalkeeping prospects are up against it from the off thanks to the fact there is only one role for them – and that is the situation at Everton.
The Toffees have nothing to worry about between the sticks right now, with Jordan Pickford the number one choice not only at Goodison Park but for England as well, having impressed out in Russia at the World Cup.
Behind the former Sunderland man, Maarten Stekelenberg is acting as backup, having recently put pen to paper on a new deal keeping him on Merseyside.
Away from the first team, there are a handful of young talents trying to establish themselves as the third choice shot stopper, with Mateusz Hewelt (21), Chris Renshaw (20) and Joe Hilton (18) playing in the under-23 and under-18 side.
However, there is a new addition to the Toffees’, and it puts the future of the oldest reserve keeper in serious doubt.
Everton have confirmed the capture of colossus 18-year-old Joao Virginia from Arsenal on their official website and Twitter account, with the former Gunner already standing at 6’3″ (source: Transfermarkt).
? | Welcome to Everton, Joao Virginia! ??
More ? https://t.co/iElxp5Wchu #EFC pic.twitter.com/8YxnGgH6qX
— Everton (@Everton) August 3, 2018
With just a year left on his contract, Virginia’s arrival means that Polish youngster Hewelt now has 12 months to save his career at Goodison Park, and with so many options to compete with now it is looking bleak for him, having yet to make a first team appearance for the Toffees.
It also leaves the other two prospects facing more of a battle, but for now, Hewelt is the one firmly in the firing line.