Ex-goalkeeper reveals he had recommended £30million custodian to Liverpool

Anfield

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has said that Jordan Pickford can be England’s first choice shot-stopper for 15 years and revealed he had recommended the youngster to Liverpool.

The 23-year-old Pickford joined the Toffees this summer following some impressive displays for Sunderland last season, which earned him a nomination for the PFA Young Player award as well as a call-up to the England national team setup by Gareth Southgate.

Kirkland, who tried to convince Liverpool to sign Pickford 18 months ago, said of the player: “This lad Jordan Pickford, he should be the England goalkeeper for the next 15 years. He’s got everything, barring injuries he’s got the world at his feet.

“I told Liverpool to sign him 18 months ago. He is incredible. Everton have got themselves one hell of a goalkeeper.

“Normally with keepers you can say ‘well, he can get better at this or that’ but he’s got everything. His distribution is the best I’ve ever seen, his shot stopping is the best I’ve ever seen, his commanding of the box is great too. He would come and take everything.

“I’d sit there sometimes and think ‘I wish I was that good’! He is miles better than I was at his age, trust me. He’s a special, special lad.”

Pickford joins Everton as the most expensive goalkeeper in English football history and many fans of the club will have heavy expectations of him.