Aidy Boothroyd has backed England Under-21s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to prove money well spent for new club Everton.
The 23-year-old has been preparing for this summer’s Euro Finals in Poland this week, but underwent a medical and agreed a record switch from Sunderland to Goodison Park on Wednesday before the deal was confirmed on Thursday.
And the Young Lions head coach believes Ronald Koeman’s side are getting a top class goalkeeper for the new season.
“He is a coach’s dream because all he wants to do is play football,” said Boothroyd ahead of Friday’s opening game with Sweden in Kielce.
“He’s not bothered who it’s for or interested in a price tag, he just wants to keep the ball out of the net and play football.
“He’s just a great kid and a genuine lad who, like all goalkeepers, is a little bit mad and just wants to throw himself around until he can’t breathe.”
Pickford has been at St. George’s Park for the squad’s Euro preparation in recent weeks and travelled out with the group to Poland on Monday unaware of any impending moves.
But once a record fee had been agreed between the clubs, the deal was swiftly concluded without Pickford’s focus on the competition ever being shifted.
“The way the game is, it’s about market forces and he is a very talented goalkeeper technically and tactically,” added Boothroyd, in relation to the deal.
“But what I think he’s got which is a massive plus for him, is his mentality. Nothing seems to phase him, he just smiles, gets on with it and goes to catch another ball.”
