Gavin Buckland has been speaking on the Royal Blue podcast about how Rafael Benitez has to start Anthony Gordon more for Everton.
Benitez is struggling to get his Everton side organised – especially at the back, as they’ve conceded eight goals in their last three Premier League matches and are also on a three-match losing streak which has coincided with the absence of midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Is Iwobi good enough for Everton?
Yes!
No!
One bright spark to have emerged during Benitez’s tenure is youngster Gordon, who has been handed minutes in the league and even got a start against Manchester United when the Toffees drew at Old Trafford.
After coming on as a substitute on Monday night against Wolves, the youngster almost got his side back on level terms, only to see his header saved and pushed away well by Jose Sa, but his actions and performances on the pitch aren’t going unnoticed, especially when players such as Alex Iwobi are still not performing to the standards they are expected to reach if their transfer fees are anything to go by on a consistent basis.
Buckland would like to see academy graduate Gordon get more minutes and start more often.
“You’ve just got to start him and take it from there, haven’t you? From what I’ve seen with Gordon up until this season, I’ve been a little bit [like] yeah, he’s one of them academy prospects who looks good, but maybe hasn’t got the ability and the physique to flourish in the Premier League.
“From what I’ve seen over the last month or so, I’m sort of of the opinion now we should be giving him at least an opportunity. I mean, let’s face it, he’s not exactly got a lot of better options in that area than him, has he, Benitez?”
TIF Thoughts on Gordon…
Last season was a disappointing one for Gordon as he was sent out on loan to Championship side Preston North End in January, but was only able to start five games in the league, which will have done very little for his development.
The 20-year old may well be the next youngster to burst onto the scene for Everton, as just as Buckland suggested, the Toffees don’t have many better options in his position on the wing.
They have new signings Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray, but beyond that, there’s very little depth, and with Iwobi looking to be a poor piece of business with every passing season (despite his goal against Wolves), Gordon will surely be knocking on the door of Benitez sometime soon to be handed more regular appearances.
In other news: ‘A player the fans don’t like’ – Presenter blasts Everton ace who’s ‘not good enough’