Pickford: Everton can go as far as we want to
Jordan Pickford has praised the depth in the Everton squad and declared that his new side can go 'as far as they want to' this season.
The 'Toffees' have certainly caught the eye this summer with some solid and fast recruitment and one of their new boys Jordan Pickford believes the club should aim for the stars this season.
In an interview with the club website, the former Suderland goalkeeper said: "We can go as far as we want to."
"We've got the team and we've got the depth as well, which is massive, especially in the Europa League, but also week in, week out in the Premier League."
"The club is showing massive ambition and that's one of the reasons I came to the club."
The 23-year-old also hailed the signing of Wayne Rooney, but insisted that the club's other new boys would be equally as important this season: “It’s great to be in the same team as Wayne. The career he has had is fantastic and to hopefully be pulling on the same shirt as him is unbelievable,” he said.
“I remember his first league goal (for Everton) against Arsenal. That went massive on the TV and that was when he burst onto the scene."
“You’ve got to look up to him, like you look up to so many other people when you are wanting to become a footballer."
“But it’s not just Wayne. The manager has brought in a lot of good players this summer, and there were a lot of good players already at the Club, so it’s an exciting time to be here.”
Pickford also acknowledged that the depth in the Everton squad includes goalkeepers, but says that he is relishing battling for the number one jersey with Joel Robles and Maarten Stekelenburg: "It’s not going to be easy. You’ve got Joel who had a good season last season, and Maarten who is a proven goalkeeper. He has played in a World Cup final," explained Pickford.
“But competition for places is something I thrive on and I want to become the best I can be. I have to work hard on the training pitch out there and it’s down to me. Hopefully I’ll get chosen by the manager."
“My first priority is to get into the squad and then, hopefully, solidify myself as the number one. Then it’s a case of keep playing and playing and getting better and better and keeping as many clean sheets as I can."
“If you’re getting clean sheets then we’ve got enough outfield players who can go out and get those wins. So I’ve got to do my job and then hopefully the rest will take care of itself.”
If the rest of Everton's new signings are as hungry to impress as Pickford, the Merseysiders could be in for a good season.