Everton attacker Anthony Gordon could have a big season
Last year, then Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti threw Anthony Gordon in the one of the fiercest battle grounds – the Merseyside derby. The youngster made his first Premier League start against the arch rivals Liverpool in June 2020, when playing in empty stadiums was the new norm.
The burgeoning youngster rose to the task and outshined his teammates in the 0-0 draw. Gordon offered energy, bursts of pace and dexterity. Even the most casual fan who had seen Gordon during the last phase of the 2020-21 Premier League season, knew that this kid was special and had a stellar career in front of him if provided the right counsel and developing opportunity.
Fast forward one year, Rafa Benitez arrived at the helm after Ancelotti left the club, much to the anguish of the fans. Upon arrival, the former Valencia boss assessed the squad and was left impressed by Gordon. Benitez took the decision not to send him out on loan and keep him in the senior squad.
During the start of the season, opportunities came only in form of substitute appearances, playing a handful of minutes. However, things changed as the tsunami of injuries hit the Toffees and Gordon became more than just a rotational option. Recently, the 20 year old played two back to back 90 minute games and now looks set for a crucial role in the congested fixture schedule.
Demarai Gray’s injury came at the worst possible time for Everton
During the spineless performance against Manchester City, Everton lost Demarai Gray to a groin injury early in the first half. Even though there have not been any updates over the Englishman’s injury and how long will he spend time on the treatment table, from the looks of it, Gray could be out for a longer timeframe which further makes the squad vulnerable.
Gray has been one of Everton’s best performers of the season so far, being termed as the bargain of the window at just £1.7 million. His raw pace and ability to take on defenders has been the highlight which has helped the Toffees in launching lightning quick counter attacks.
The recent narrative has also seen Gordon jump Alex Iwobi in the pecking order. Iwobi has simply not worked out. He loses the ball too often, doesn’t carry the ball forward with aplomb and often runs into traffic. His output is poor in front of the goal and crossing skills are lamentable.
Iwobi is one of many examples of failed recruitment under Farhad Moshiri. He was brought to offer directness and pace but after years of abject unproductivity, Iwobi can no longer be counted upon as a viable solution which is why Gray was brought in.
Everton’s Anthony Gordon can play a crucial role during the congested fixtures
With Gray’s injury and Iwobi’s inconsistency, Gordon will have a crucial role in the team of offering pace and vigour from the flanks. Iwobi might still feature as Gray recovers from injury but out of Gordon and the Nigerian, most people would bank upon the 20 year old youngster to make a difference.
The Toffees play nine games in 35 days, amplifying the load on the players to maintain fitness levels and not fall prey to niggles. In such a tight fixture list, Gordon could find himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, provided he continues to perform at the current level.
The local boy is yet to score his first goal for the club but has come agonizingly close on several occasions. Maybe, now is the time to grab his debut goal and stamp his authority on the team. If he doesn’t get the goals, he offers hard work.
His industrious nature has been fairly evident against Manchester City and Tottenham. He has also been extremely efficient on both wings which offer a variety of options to Rafa Benitez.
Perhaps, if he dazzles during this fixture congestion, Everton supporters fall in love with him even more.
Can Anthony Gordon step up and provide some exhilarating moments?