Coach says 21-year-old Everton talent has what it takes to become ‘one of the best of his generation’

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia has what it takes to become “one of the best of his generation”, according to Hugo Oliveira.

The 21-year-old joined the Toffees in 2018, with former Goodison Park coach Oliveira instrumental in bringing him to Merseyside.

Virginia hit the ground running in his first season and was a double winner with Everton’s Under-23s in his debut campaign.

The Portuguese made his Premier League debut last week, coming on as a substitute against Burnley after Jordan Pickford was withdrawn with an injury.

And while Oliveira acknowledges that Virginia could do with picking up more experience on loan, he has no doubt in terms of the 6ft 3in ace’s talent.

“He has the passion and potential to be one of the best of his generation,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“He plays in the national team but he needs to prove that quality in the professional level, day by day, and not just in those 45 minutes he got on Saturday.

“He is very mature for his age and his qualities are what you need in the modern game.

“He is able to play with his feet and he has the ability to play with his right and left the same. He has got balance and he has good understanding of the game too.

“He is intelligent, which is really important, and in high pressure situations he feels comfortable – that was what happened on Saturday and he helped keep the team in the game.

“But not only in defending the goal but also in trying to build the game. You not only have a goalkeeper who can help defensively but one who can give to the team offensively.”

TBR View:

With Pickford now sidelined for the upcoming international break and Robin Olsen a doubt, Virginia could potentially feature in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

Hopefully he’ll do well if called upon, but if Olsen is passed fit then he should be in the starting XI, as it’s a big risk for a young player like Virginia to line up against the prolific Citizens.