Pickford vs Trafford: Everton And Leeds Fans Continue Battle

Jordan Pickford vs James Trafford is the new social media battle.

Two goalkeepers at opposite ends of the spectrum. One has been England’s and Everton’s number one for many years and is reaching the final stage of his career, the other is inexperienced and undoubtedly in line to take on the reins from Pickford for his country in the future. 

During the international break, Thomas Tuchel opted to bring in Trafford for England for the opening two games, so let’s start with that.

The next international tournament is around two years away, and Tuchel has no idea what’s going to happen to Pickford in that time. There’s every chance he remains at the same level, but there’s also a chance he drops off with age. 

Naturally, Tuchel is starting to prepare for that tournament already. In reality, the Nations League is a glorified friendly, and it’s the perfect opportunity for an international manager to try out new things. 

When Trafford was given a go, it led to many Everton supporters questioning the decision, with a lot of Leeds fans then boasting that Trafford was the new number one. In reality, it was likely Tuchel just trying things out. 

The two are likely to share game time over the next two years, which makes perfect sense. As mentioned, who knows where both players are in two years' time. Trafford might not become the goalkeeper people expect, or he could be the best in the world at that point. Tuchel won’t want to get to 2028, and Trafford has minimal international experience, but is one of the best in the world at club level. 

That decision from Tuchel is what sparked a mini social media feud between both sets of supporters.

Against Arsenal, Trafford made a big error, failing to prevent Riccardo Calafiori from scoring to allow Arsenal to equalise, which led to the Gunners winning the game. Social media then turned into a Pickford vs Trafford battle once again. 

Against Hull City, Pickford should have saved Mohamed Belloumi’s effort from inside the box, and social media had its say once again.

Goalkeepers make mistakes. Both Pickford and Trafford will make mistakes this season. Are we just going to have a big debate every single week for the rest of time?

I must admit, on a personal level, I’ve got involved in the debate myself. It’s hard not to try to protect someone who has been hounded by the media for so long. But in reality, it’s tit for tat. 

Pickford is the better goalkeeper at the moment. He’s got a lot of experience and is more proven at international and club level. There is absolutely no reason why Trafford won’t surpass him. 

Such is the way of football, there is just as much chance of Trafford surpassing Pickford as there is of him falling by the wayside and becoming an average Premier League goalkeeper. 

Arguing who is going to be England’s number one goalkeeper in two years' time is, realistically, pointless. Who knows what happens during that period, and there could even be another goalkeeper who comes out of nowhere and takes the number one spot. 

As it stands, Trafford is the natural successor to Pickford. He’s a good young goalkeeper and there’s no reason why he can’t become great. Let's not forget, Pickford was making a lot of mistakes as a young goalkeeper, even during his early years at Everton.

Thankfully, Pickford has gone on to become one of the best in the Premier League, if not the world. 

Everton and Leeds fans should collectively agree to save the Pickford vs Trafford debates for the international breaks, when we all have very little to talk about when it comes to football.