Anthony Gordon says Everton boss Rafa Benitez was ‘completely right’ when suggesting the forward was not ready to play full matches in the Premier League, via the Daily Mail.
Benitez gave Gordon the first full 90-minutes of his top-flight career as the Toffees hosted Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. But was unable to find a breakthrough as they drew 0-0.
The winger had already enjoyed his longest outing since hosting Southampton in July 2020 when the Blues visited Manchester United. Playing 72-minutes at Old Trafford during their 1-1 draw in October.
Only against Leicester in July 2020 when he lasted 79-minutes had Gordon played longer than he did against Manchester United, before seeing out Everton’s draw with Tottenham.
The Southampton and Foxes affairs came with Carlo Ancelotti at the Everton helm, who handed Gordon his Premier League debut.
Benitez has been reluctant to leave Gordon on the pitch for full matches as the Everton boss questioned his fitness. Per the Liverpool Echo, the Spaniard doubted if the 20-year-old was ready – physically – to endure the rigours of 90-minute appearances.
Everton talent Gordon agrees with Benitez concern
Gordon feels Benitez’s apprehensions were well placed, but the Everton talent had already begun working on adapting his fitness regime.
“My playing style is really quick and explosive,” Gordon explained. “It’s not often you can get the right balance between being explosive and having good, overall stamina.
“I think it was maybe a bit of taking a bit of the explosiveness away and adding to the stamina part. The manager was completely right. I’ve been working on it for a while and working hard in training to keep on improving.
“I think to improve your stamina, you’ve got to suffer. That’s the only way you can improve it. In training, even if I’m tired, it’s just running for the sake of running. Keep topping up and topping up as much as I can, with obviously being safe and looking after my body.”
Gordon will hope his first full 90-minute Premier League appearance now leads to the £10k-a-week forward enjoying further opportunities to impress under Benitez at Everton.
Tottenham’s visit to Goodison Park marked only his third start under the Spaniard in eight appearances so far this term. It was also longer than five of his previous outings combined.
But Gordon may struggle to hold down his place when Benitez welcomes Everton’s injured players back. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s on-going absence opening a slot in their attack.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
