Trafford, who joined Leeds United from Manchester City in the summer, started two of England’s four matches during the recent international window. His emergence has put pressure on Pickford’s long-standing position as the national team’s first choice, but Moyes says the Everton goalkeeper has responded well.
“When Jordan came back from the World Cup, it might be the best I have ever seen him. He was lean, sharp, his footwork was brilliant, he was fast across the goal. He has made a couple of brilliant saves (this season),” the Everton manager said.
Moyes said he had spoken to Pickford about the competition and believes the 32-year-old remains determined to protect his place. Pickford has kept three clean sheets in his first six Premier League matches this season.
“I talked to him about it, I said; ‘You know you have a bit of competition now with Trafford, how are you going to deal with it?’ and I don’t see Jordan falling away at the moment,” Moyes said.
“I see Jordan keeping his pride because he wants clean sheets, he wants to keep the ball out of the net. Somewhere along the line there is a whippersnapper coming who tries to challenge you, but if it really mattered to England, Jordan would still be the one who was there.”
Moyes pointed to Pickford’s experience and distribution as strengths, arguing that the ability to pass the ball and the ability to kick long distances are not necessarily the same skill.
“He has that experience and he is not ageing. Jordan is a terrific kicker of the ball, he is a better kicker than Trafford, but passing is a different equation,” he said.
Pickford’s place at Everton appears secure, but Moyes also discussed competition further up the pitch, where Tyrique George is pushing Jack Grealish for a starting role. George joined Everton from Chelsea in the summer and could face his former club on Saturday if selected.
“We like Tyrique a lot. I want to get him some rhythm, he had a bit and then we took it away because we wanted Jack’s experience,” Moyes said.
“Tyrique is well in our thoughts. He has to keep learning, getting better, but he has the ability to beat people, to score, we don’t want to knock him down but he is still a young boy.”
Moyes added that George was making progress after a slow start and could provide an option on either flank.
“Tyrique is knocking on the door. He started a bit slowly and then picked up. Jack is aware that Tyrique is there. We think he can do a job on both sides as well.”
Everton also have fitness questions to assess ahead of the weekend. Jarrad Branthwaite is hopeful of being available after managing a problem during the week, while left-back Vitalii Mykolenko is pushing to return from injury. Christian Nørgaard is also nearing a comeback but is not ready to start.
Moyes’ message on Pickford is clear: the competition may be intensifying, but he sees no sign of the Everton goalkeeper losing confidence or form.