Frank Lampard unphased by Anthony Gordon’s discipline issue at Everton, but does admit he’s ‘worried’
Anthony Gordon faces a suspension at Everton due to picking up five yellow cards – but Frank Lampard has bigger concerns about his winger.
Gordon started the season brightly after a summer transfer window of rumours, but the 21-year-old has tailed off in recent weeks and struggled to have the same impact.
Not only is Gordon struggling to score and assist, but he’s also picking up far too many warnings from the referee – after just nine games he faces a suspension for receiving five yellow cards.
Lampard now has to prepare for the Tottenham clash without his star winger, but the Toffees boss suggested there are bigger things to worry about with Gordon.
“I don’t think it’s worth hanging on too much that he’s taken on too many bookings,” said Lampard, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
“I’m more worried about his whole game and just working with him on that front and the booking thing has been a small part of that too.
“There is a lot of development to be done and I think what he has done is he arrived last season and showed all the qualities we want to see in a young English winger – pace, ability to beat a man and an eye for goal, and quality and good off the ball work ethic.
“I think, now, it is the next step for him and I think he just needs to absolutely focus on his dedication to training here and being the player that we all want him to be.”
Taking the next step
Gordon is clearly highly rated at Everton – so much so that the club were willing to turn down £60million bids for him in the summer. [Daily Mail]
But there’s no hiding the fact that he’s feeling the pressure in recent weeks, and has looked a shadow of his former self.
Last season, when Everton were up against the ropes and fighting relegation, Gordon caught the eye for his fearless approach – taking the ball and running directly at opponents.
He was a joy to watch and was clearly enjoying his football. That has seemed to change this season after being blasted by the media spotlight.
Gordon has often looked more cautious or reserved lately, and as a result his confidence has taken a hit. Lampard took him out of the firing line in recent weeks for Dwight McNeil, and his suspension could be a blessing in disguise as he rests up and prepares for his next Toffees outing.
He needs to quickly put the transfer saga behind him and focus on his football.