Everton manager Ronald Koeman has revealed that Maarten Stekelenburg still has an important role to play for Everton and that he is giving Jordan Pickford a hard time in terms of maintaining his status as first choice goalkeeper within the squad.
The 23-year-old Pickford joined the Toffees this summer for £30 million which is a record deal for a British goalkeeper. Stekelenburg started last season as first choice keeper for the Merseyside club, though he eventually lost his place to Joel Robles. All in all, both goalkeepers went on to play 19 Premier League matches each.
At 34 years old, Stekelenburg is very experienced and will also be able to provide valuable advice to the much younger Pickford.
Koeman believes that the veteran Dutchman will make life difficult for Pickford and said, “Last year I signed Maarten Stekelenburg for Everton because there was only one goalkeeper here.
“Jordan Pickford has been bought because he is the future for Everton. He is already there, but Maarten continues to make it difficult for him. In the first round of the Europa League and in pre-season, Maarten has behaved correctly.”
