2017/18 Jordan Pickford

[Bruce Wayne]

Oh yeah, don't get me wrong he's a very good keeper. And as I say, i'm not saying he won't kick on and be great. I have to admit though, if United did offer us £50m for him, i'm not sure i'd be dismissing it out of hand.

Two things on that (hopefully) hypothetical example. Firstly, who can we get that is as good or better than him for the money we'd get? In other words, is the money more valuable than the player? I'm not so sure.

Secondly, and imo more importantly, what message does it send? We've gone from the Kenright era where we had to sell our best players each summer, to the Moshiri era where we're selling our best players each summer. Stones has gone, Lukaku has gone, Barkley has gone. Add Pickford to that list in the summer and not only does it make depressing reading for fans, but it says to any potential signings that our only value to you is as a stepping stone to a bigger club where you might actually win things. If that's the extent of our ambition as a club, then that's very sad indeed.

 

[Foot Long Hot Dog]

If you look at the best goalkeepers in the world at the minute, Pickford is smaller than most if not all. If you look at the best goalkeepers of all time, most are around the same height as Pickford. I don't think anything has changed which means a top goalkeeper needs to be 6'4" and above all of a sudden, it just happens that all the top ones are at the moment.

He’s the same size as Nev so I take your point to a degree, only I do think things have changed in recent years. The trend has been for taller players in the game, I’ve not got the full stats but just going to the game shows that many sides now are bigger, taller and more athletic than they were back in the day. It gives him an added challenge without doubt for me.

 

[Lanolin]

Two things on that (hopefully) hypothetical example. Firstly, who can we get that is as good or better than him for the money we'd get? In other words, is the money more valuable than the player? I'm not so sure.

Secondly, and imo more importantly, what message does it send? We've gone from the Kenright era where we had to sell our best players each summer, to the Moshiri era where we're selling our best players each summer. Stones has gone, Lukaku has gone, Barkley has gone. Add Pickford to that list in the summer and not only does it make depressing reading for fans, but it says to any potential signings that our only value to you is as a stepping stone to a bigger club where you might actually win things. If that's the extent of our ambition as a club, then that's very sad indeed.

Yeah fair enough, you're definitely right about the message it would send, so on that basis I wouldn't accept an offer.

In terms of who we could get though, that's kind of what I mean about his performances for us just being 'good' rather than 'great'. I'm honestly not sure we'd have been doing too much worse with Robles or the like in goal this season. Don't get me wrong, Pickford is definitely the better keeper, but i'm honestly not sure that his performances have been that much better that it would massively affect our league position.

To be clear on this, I like the lad, and I think he's good. I just think some people overrate him, and also overestimate just how much better he's likely to get given his age and level of experience (158 games at League level should be plenty of time to iron out some of the basic flaws in his game).

 

[sageyefc]

Could have got mat Ryan for a third of this fellers fee

 

[Stanley Parker]

When you're buying top players, you have to pay a lot more for even a small improvement.

 

[Joey66]

Why the criticism? Have you seen the state of our defense? He's our best keeper since Martyn and has a very big future. If the 2 CBs could make their mind up on how to defend then I'm sure he would be more commanding. He's made few mistakes (the derby one was massive though). He can be our keeper for 10+ years

I can't believe people think we should be looking to sell!

He will be sold if a top club offers silly money!

 

[Joey66]

When you're buying top players, you have to pay a lot more for even a small improvement.

We have paid top money for other players who are pure crap - this lad has at least held his own- tbh he looked a bit injured in the 2nd half limping a bit would have had a clean sheet if Snides had stayed on the bench !

 

[deipnosophist]

We have paid top money for other players who are pure crap - this lad has at least held his own- tbh he looked a bit injured in the 2nd half limping a bit would have had a clean sheet if Snides had stayed on the bench !

I think it was Tubby Ashley who raised his arm and got hand-balled. In fairness to Ash, he was only responding to a question called out from the crowd... "who wants a pie?"

 

[MikeH72]

Could have got mat Ryan for a third of this fellers fee

This feller's better my mert

 

[sageyefc]

This feller's better my mert

Mat Ryan? Yeah I agree

 

[MikeH72]

Mat Ryan? Yeah I agree

Matty Ryan is class, but our Jord is better and will have the career to show for it I have no doubt.

 

[Joey66]

I think it was Tubby Ashley who raised his arm and got hand-balled. In fairness to Ash, he was only responding to a question called out from the crowd... "who wants a pie?"

Noticed Rooneys hand went up toolol
Quite signicant when Snides came on we defended a lot deeper though!

 

[Number_25]

Probably his worst game for us on the weekend, but he was still ace.

 

[marcus]

Pickford needs to command his six yard box with more vigor it puts us under pressure from corners & dead balls when he stands on his line.....

Keeper coaches have a word & practise with Pickford on crosses & corners it will cost us dear if not....

Pickford still learning, will be a great keeper....

 

[ArtetaMoney]

Out for 3 weeks due to excessive sunburn from Dubai.

Nice one Sam!