As the football world is constantly evolving, new talents emerge and make their mark on the sport. In recent years, one name that has been making waves is Anthony Gordon. The young English midfielder has caught the eye of many with his impressive performances and potential to become a future star. In this article, we will take a closer look at the rise of Anthony Gordon – from his early days as a youth prodigy to becoming a key player in the Premier League.

Early Years and Footballing Beginnings

Born on February 24, 2001, in Liverpool, England, Anthony Gordon was introduced to football at a young age. Growing up in the city of Liverpool, it was inevitable for him to fall in love with the game. Gordon started playing for local club Halewood Juniors before joining the renowned academy of Everton FC at the age of 11.

Gordon’s talent was evident from a young age as he quickly made an impact in the youth teams of Everton. His technical ability, speed, and vision caught the eye of coaches and scouts, and it wasn’t long before he became a standout player in the academy.

Gordon’s talent became apparent at a young age, making a swift impression in Everton’s youth teams

Youth Career and Progression

At the age of 16, Anthony Gordon was already making headlines with his performances for the Everton U18 team. He was also a regular in the U23 squad, where he continued to impress with his creativity and attacking prowess. Gordon was involved in the Everton U18 team’s run to the FA Youth Cup final in the 2017/18 season, where they narrowly lost to Chelsea.

The following season, Gordon was promoted to the U23 team on a full-time basis, and he continued to thrive. In the 2018/19 Premier League 2 campaign, he scored six goals and provided four assists in 16 appearances, establishing himself as one of the best young players in the league. Gordon also played a key role in helping Everton’s U23 team win the Premier League 2 title that season.

Debut for Everton FC

After impressing in the youth teams, it wasn’t long before Anthony Gordon caught the attention of then-Everton manager, Marco Silva. In December 2017, at the age of 17 years and 296 days, Gordon became the youngest-ever player to feature for Everton’s first team in a competitive game when he made his debut in a Europa League match against Apollon Limassol.

Although he only played for 25 minutes, Gordon showed glimpses of his potential, and it was clear that he had a bright future ahead of him. However, it wasn’t until Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival in December 2019 that Gordon started receiving more opportunities in the first team.

Breakthrough Season and International Recognition

The 2019/20 season proved to be a breakthrough campaign for Anthony Gordon. He made his Premier League debut in January 2020, coming on as a substitute against West Ham United. Gordon’s performance in that game caught the eye of many, and he earned his first start in the following match against Newcastle United.

As the season progressed, Gordon became a regular in the Everton first team, making a total of 11 appearances in all competitions. His performances were rewarded with a call-up to the England U21 squad, where he made his debut against Slovenia in September 2020.

The 2019/20 season marked a significant breakthrough for Anthony Gordon

Playing Style and Strengths

Anthony Gordon is a versatile attacker who can play anywhere across the front three positions. He is predominantly a left-winger but can also play on the right or through the middle as an attacking midfielder. Gordon’s main strengths lie in his ability to take on defenders with his pace, trickery, and close control. He is also an excellent dribbler and has the vision to pick out passes in the final third.

One of Gordon’s most impressive qualities is his decision-making. Despite being just 20 years old, he shows maturity beyond his age and makes intelligent decisions on the ball. He is also a hard worker off the ball and is not afraid to track back and help out defensively.

Even at the young age of 20, he displays a level of maturity that exceeds expectations, making astute decisions while on the ball

Future Prospects and Conclusion

Anthony Gordon’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. From playing for local club Halewood Juniors to becoming a regular for Everton’s first team, the young Englishman has come a long way in a short period. With his current contract at Everton set to expire in 2023, the club will be looking to tie him down to a new long-term deal.

Gordon’s future looks bright both at club and international level. With his performances catching the eye of many, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him receive more opportunities for the England national team in the near future. As he continues to develop and improve, Anthony Gordon has the potential to become a top player in the Premier League and cement his place among the best young talents in world football.

In conclusion, the rise of Anthony Gordon is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent. From his early days as a youth prodigy to now becoming an established Premier League player, Gordon has shown that anything is possible with determination and a never-give-up attitude. As he continues to progress and reach new heights, we can only wait and see what the future holds for this exciting young talent.