Jermain Defoe has hailed Jordan Pickford as one of the best young stoppers he has ever seen.
Washington-born Pickford rose through the club’s ranks at the Academy of Light before making his senior debut in January 2016 at Arsenal in the Emirates FA Cup.
While the 22-year-old had to settle for a place on the bench in the second half of last season, Pickford established himself between the sticks at the start of the new season after Vito Mannone was sidelined with an elbow injury.
Pickford seized upon his chance with both hands and produced a string of fine performances which helped the Black Cats collect valuable points against AFC Bournemouth, Hull City, Leicester City and Watford.
And while the former Preston North End loanee has been sidelined since Boxing Day, Defoe reserved praise for the youngster as the duo collected their North East Football Writers’ Awards on Sunday.
“Jordan has been amazing and he has great potential,” he said.
“I have been singing his praises since the first time I saw him.
“I’ve spoke about the modern game and how teams want goalkeepers to play out from the back and he is up there at being able to do that.
“He is one of the best goalkeepers I have seen in my career.
“It is special for him (to win the award), he still has a long way to go but for him the sky is the limit.”
On a more personal note for Sunderland’s top scorer this season, Defoe admitted it was an honour to be named NEFW’s player of the year.
“It is nice because when your hard work has been appreciated and recognised it is always nice. To win any award is always nice.
“To be recognised by the local people and how I have taken to the fans and all the people is amazing.
“That’s why for me it’s all the more special.
“When you win awards like this it makes you want to work hard and hopefully I can continue to work hard and playing for the team.”