Jeff Stelling shares verdict on Anthony Gordon after Everton transfer exit claim
Jeff Stelling has labelled former Everton winger Anthony Gordon “phenomenal” after his performances for Newcastle United this term.
Gordon left Goodison Park to join the Magpies in January 2023 and has kicked on on Tyneside since his departure.
Stelling has admitted that the deal puzzled him initially, but now feels the Englishman has been the “most improved player of the season”.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (21 May, 09:25am), he said: “[Gordon is the] most improved player of the season.
“I only had one suggestion. When Anthony Gordon went to Newcastle from Everton, I wondered why. Because I didn’t see the player in him that Eddie Howe saw in him.
“This season he has been phenomenal and must be in that England squad and maybe even start for England.”
How good has Anthony Gordon been since leaving Everton?
Gordon has already made 64 senior appearances across all competitions for Newcastle in just a season and a half at St James’ Park, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists.
Those figures are impressive, but they do not tell the full story of the winger’s development on Tyneside.
In his first half-season at Newcastle, Gordon mustered just one goal – but this season, he has racked up 12 strikes and 11 assists in all competitions, with 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League.
He has been particularly adept at drawing fouls from opposition defenders, earning 67 this term and even winning six penalties [FotMob].
Furthermore, his delivery from wide areas has been threatening, completing 30 crosses at a success rate of 27 per cent.
Everton may rue the fact that they were forced to let a talented academy graduate leave – but the fee they banked from his sale was necessary as the club’s financial issues threaten to overwhelm them.
Ahead of another summer where balancing the books is as important as strengthening the squad, Everton fans will be bracing themselves for the departures of similar players, such as Jarrad Branthwaite.
In other Everton news, Jordan Pickford has dropped an Everton transfer hint ahead of the summer window opening.
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