Anthony Gordon has only started two Premier League fixtures so far this season as Everton manager Rafa Benitez has a key concern over the winger, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The 20-year-old made his first opening outing in the top-flight in 2021/22 at Manchester United earlier this month. Gordon impressed at Old Trafford in place of Alex Iwobi, who sat out the 1-1 draw with a minor injury.
Benitez had only awarded Gordon 33-minutes of league action before Everton visited Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils. But played 72-minutes up against Aaron Wan-Bissaka and has added 77-minutes since, with a second start in last Saturday’s 5-2 defeat to Watford.
Gordon was one of very few to leave Goodison Park with reason to hold their heads high against the Hornets. The England Under-20 international produced a lively showing and played with purpose when pushing forward before making way for Richarlison.
Benitez may have perplexed some with his decision to remove Gordon from Everton’s attack. But the Spaniard has a key concern over the winger: he does not feel he is ready to play a full 90-minutes during a Premier League fixture after 20 career top-flight outings.
Gordon has started seven of his career top-flight outings, after debuting in the competition under Carlo Ancelotti in January 2020. But is yet to hear the final whistle on the pitch after opening the action. His longest appearance so far lays at 79-minutes against Leicester City.
Should Benitez let Gordon play a full 90-minutes for Everton?
Gordon made his longest Premier League outing for Everton so far against Leicester in July 2020. The Foxes’ visit to Goodison marked his fifth top-flight appearance and also featured his first assist. Finding Richarlison to open the scoring on 10-minutes as the Blues won 2-1.
He has since featured for over 60-minutes just twice, with this month’s Manchester United affair the first since July 2020 against Southampton. He also only played more than an hour four times over 11 Championship appearances with Preston on loan last season.
Benitez gave Gordon a start against Solskjaer’s side after the Everton product impressed in training before travelling to Old Trafford. Toffees supporters have continued to praise the youngster’s efforts at Finch Farm since, and he will surely be itching to play his first full 90.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
