Benitez has asked Townsend to help mentor Everton younger players
Everton boss Rafa Benitez has asked Andros Townsend to help mentor Anthony Gordon and some younger players, according to The Athletic.
The 30-year-old winger has hit the ground running since reuniting with the Spaniard at Goodison Park, and he also takes on extra responsibility on the training ground having completed his UEFA B coaching badge over the summer.
Benitez sees Townsend as a good influence on the Toffees squad when it comes to setting the standards and showing how players are expected to prepare and train under him.
Those close to the set-up believe Gordon, 20, is already starting to improve as a result.
Influential
The winner for September’s Premier League goal of the month has been an absolute bargain to the Everton squad after arriving as a free player following his release by Crystal Palace.
Townsend has three goals and two assists in seven Premier League games for the Blues, and not many could have predicted such a fine start for him upon his arrival on Merseyside.
He wants to prove that he still has a lot to offer, and Gordon and the other youngsters have the perfect role model to look up to at Finch Farm.
Townsend will be looking forward to completing his coaching badges and earning the UEFA A and UEFA Pro licenses, and Benitez is there to give him the necessary help.
The Everton man can learn a lot from the Champions League-winning boss as both a player and aspiring manager, and their reunion could help fire the Toffees to Europe and also help Townsend fulfil his dreams of playing for England at next summer’s World Cup.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are in hunt for new coach after exit left void in key behind-the-scenes area.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.