Douglass Lukjanciks shows Jordan Pickford how it’s done after what he did in Everton U18 scenes
Douglass Lukjanciks was the hero as Everton Under-18s beat West Ham on Friday evening.
The young Blues progressed to the quarter-finals round of the FA Youth Cup after vanquishing the East London outfit.
Lukjanciks has been touted as one of Everton’s best talents, and he proved why as the clash went to a penalty shootout.
Toffees’ starter and England number one Jordan Pickford could perhaps learn a lesson or two from the 18-year-old after his latest performance.
What did Lukjanciks do for Everton that Pickford could not?
Pickford did not save a single penalty as Everton were dumped out of the FA Cup at the hands of Sunderland on 10 January.
Of course, it did not help that James Garner, Thierno Barry and Beto did not score any of their attempts, but if the Three Lions stopper had managed a save, it may have given the Blues a chance.
Just a week later, Lukjanciks saved three spot kicks in the shootout, playing a huge part as Keith Southern’s side progressed to the latter stages.
His showing may give David Moyes food for thought about his plans for the future between the sticks.
How far away is Lukjanciks from the first-team?
All indications are that he will not be challenging Pickford for a spot in the team anytime soon, despite his brilliant exploits in the youth ranks.
Lukjanciks is impressing in the academy, but it takes a lot to step and play in the top-flight, especially at such a young age, and he has not even featured for the first-team yet.
The Blues signed Tom King and Mark Travers in the summer, with both being ahead of the England Under-19 international in the pecking order.
| Player | Team |
| Jordan Pickford | Senior |
| Tom King | Senior |
| Mark Travers | Senior |
| George Pickford | U21 |
| Douglass Lukjanciks | U18 |
| Goodness Gospel-Eze | U18 |
| Seve Patrick | U18 |
However, his path to the senior side may be less difficult after Harry Tyrer was allowed to join Cardiff City on a permanent deal, but Under-21s ace George Pickford remains another obstacle for him to overcome.
He is certainly one to watch over the next couple of years, and if he progresses in the right way and maintains his level, then surely Moyes will have to take notice and think about calling him up to the big time eventually, if he is still in charge.
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