Monday 19 June 2017 17:25, UK
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland says Jordan Pickford is the best he has worked with and even encouraged the Reds to sign the England Under-21 international.
Kirkland worked with Everton's new goalkeeper when the pair were at Preston North End together in 2015 and the youngster made a big impression on the ex-England international.
"He is something special," Kirkland told Sky Sports. "I told Liverpool to sign him 18 months ago. You could have got him for a lot less then.
"He's the best I have worked with. He's a very confident lad and he doesn't have a weakness in his game.
"Normally with goalkeepers sometimes they are struggling with one aspect of the game but this lad has got the lot.
"His distribution is second to none, he makes the saves which 'keepers should make and his command of his box is the best I have ever seen."
Pickford is currently on England Under-21 duty in Poland, saving a penalty in the opening game against Sweden, but a role in the senior side seems inevitable.
"I would be very surprised if Jordan is not the number one for England for many years to come," added Kirkland. "Everton have got a fantastic goalkeeper."
