Everton kept Anthony Gordon after failure to sign Luis Diaz
Everton were set to allow Anthony Gordon to leave on loan this summer, according to The Athletic.
However, given James Rodriguez's uncertain future at the time, and the failure to sign Luis Diaz from FC Porto, Rafa Benitez opted to retain the 20-year-old to serve as a backup to the likes of Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray and Richarlison.
Thus far, he has started two games, in the cup against QPR and the Manchester United Premier League clash and has impressed on both occasions.
Right move
Gordon has been one of the brightest prospects at Finch Farm and while it may have arrived slightly early in his career, we believe that he's ready to become a bit part first-team player this season.
While he's not one who'll instantly walk into the playing eleven, and might not even make the matchday squad on most occasions, he's important to have in and around the team.
He's versatile enough to play in any position Benitez will ask of him and in both starts this season, he's proven why he deserves an opportunity to get more game time.
His performances at Old Trafford to secure a 1-1 draw for the Toffees were terrific and he was duly praised for them by former Scotland international James McFadden.
“Anthony Gordon was sensational with the shift he put in,” he said on BBC Radio Live.
Given Lucas Digne's injury, it might not be the worst idea in the world to start Gordon as a left-back/left-wing-back.
He could hurt the Hammers backline with his pace and movement and could win over Benitez with another impressive display.
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