Liverpool have no regrets about releasing Anthony Gordon despite the winger’s superb form at Premier League rivals Everton, as reported by The Athletic.
If the rest of Frank Lampard’s squad were capable of producing the same desire and consistency as their Kirkdale-born 21-year-old whizzkid, then Toffees supporters could probably sleep a little easier heading into the final five weeks of a gruelling campaign.
Gordon, in a manner reminiscent of Bukayo Saka at Arsenal last term, is belying his age and inexperience, blossoming into arguably the most reliable performer in an expensively-assembled, vastly-underachieving Everton side.
Only Richarlison (seven) and Demarai Gray (five) have scored more than Gordon’s four goals in his breakthrough campaign.
So you’d be forgiven for assuming that, if Liverpool could turn back the clock, they would not be quite so quick to dismiss an England U21 international who, according to Everton team-mate Dominic Calvert-Lewin, ‘has the world at his feet’ (Echo).
Liverpool’s one-that-got-away?
According to The Athletic, however, sources speaking on behalf of the six-time European champions believe that Gordon would have struggled to force his way into the first-team picture at Anfield.
Ousting Bernard, Alex Iwobi and Andros Townsend is one thing. Putting serious and sustained pressure on the likes of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota is another challenge entirely.
The report adds that Gordon was let go by Liverpool due to concerns over his physique. He’s still on the slender side, a decade on, but his fearless attitude more than makes up for that, with Gordon frequently grabbing a game by the scruff of it’s neck while his more experienced team-mates shrink in the shadows.
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“Anthony’s started every game for me. I enjoy working with him,” Everton manager Frank Lampard says
“He’s a pleasure to work with for his attitude and quality. He’s a dream to work with on that level. Anthony’s really stood up and continues to do so.”
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