After an injury was sustained to Vito Mannone, Sunderland’s number one at the beginning of the season, David Moyes was forced to search for a new ‘keeper. At the end of last week, Michael Simões Domingues, aka Mika, a Portuguese Under-21 international, signed from Boavista on a two-year deal. Jordan Pickford, who stepped in when Mannone was injured, deserves a run in the first team as Sunderland’s number one.
During the away game at Southampton, Pickford produced some fine saves to keep Sunderland in the game. He did, however, make an error which cost his team three vital points. Goalkeepers make errors from time to time and due to their position, any mistake is highlighted much more as a result and can often cost the team dearly.
However, against Everton, even though three goals were conceded, he could do nothing about them. He looked confident, distributed the ball well and kept his side in the game the best he could. One save in particular early in the first half was excellent.
Loan Spell and England
The Wearside-born shot stopper, who spent time on loan at several clubs in the lower divisions, came to many people’s attention last season. He was sent out on loan to Championship side Preston North End and his form there caught the eye of many within the game. Although Preston were in the lower half of the league, Pickford’s fine form earned him a call up to the England U-21 side. He continued his form while on international duty and has made the position his own. This prompted the Sunderland manager at the time, Sam Allardyce, to cash in on Costel Pantilimon and recall the youngster back to his native North East.
Back at Sunderland
He started the year with two appearances in Sunderland’s first team. The FA Cup tie at Arsenal and away at Tottenham in the Premier League. Although the side conceded seven goals, Pickford made some excellent saves to keep his team in each game and keep the score line more respectable. He certainly did not let anyone down. He reverted to being the Black Cats’ second choice behind the more experienced Vito Mannone for the rest of the campaign as Sunderland fought relegation.
During the summer he was England’s Under 21’s number one throughout the Toulon Tournament; a tournament which the Three Lions won—their first such win for 22 years. Fellow Sunderland team-mate Duncan Watmore was also part of the squad. Jordan’s performances rightly earned him praise and a fight was now on for the Sunderland first team goalkeeper’s jersey.
During pre-season, Jordan featured in four games and David Moyes stated that it would be a close call between his two ‘keepers. After a difficult summer, where many players left and came in, Moyes understandably went for the more experienced Mannone. However, the injury sustained by the Italian has put the Englishman back into the first team.
With manager Moyes bringing in Mika on a two-year deal, it remains to be seen what will happen when Mannone returns to full fitness. For now though, Pickford deserves his chance. However, he will have to perform at his best to fight off his new rival.
Final thoughts
There is no doubt that Pickford could have an excellent career in front of him. Now he is in the first team he needs to learn how to fight to keep his place. The only way to do this is to perform week in week out and make David Moyes’s decision as to who will play an easy one. It’s his time to shine and prove that he deserves his chance to be Sunderland’s number one.
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