Sunderland have signed goalkeeper Mika from Boavista following an injury to Vito Mannone.
Having announced the signing of goalkeeper Mika, questions were immediately asked about what this means for Jordan Pickford.
The 22-year-old came into the side against Southampton following an elbow injury to the number one keeper, Vito Mannone.
Despite being at fault for Jay Rodriguez’s late equaliser, Pickford impressed for much of the game, and must maintain his position in the starting XI for the clash with Everton on Monday night.
While it was sensible for Sunderland to bring in another goalkeeper due to Mannone’s absence, an older figure who could help Pickford grow would have been much better suited. Instead, David Moyes brought in Mika from Boavista, and the 25-year-old surely won’t be willing to sit on the bench.
Mannone’s elbow injury presented Pickford with a golden opportunity. The young English keeper has been touted as a future star between the sticks, and with the Italian ruled out, it gave Pickford a chance to step up and claim the number one jersey so early in his career.
If Mika comes in and immediately takes Pickford’s place in the line up, it suggests Moyes has no faith in the Washington-born stopper, and it will do nothing to enhance his confidence.
Pickford needs a spell in the starting line up, to prove his worth at Premier League level. If his performances aren’t great, then it would make sense to replace him with Mika, but for now when he has only made one error, Pickford should retain his place.
Despite being so young for a goalkeeper, this is a crucial time in the career of Jordan Pickford, and a show of faith from Moyes could give the youngster the confidence to go on and reach his potential.
Drop him, and Pickford may have to look away from Wearside for game time, be that on loan or permanently, which is vital to his development.
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