Anthony Gordon has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in English football in recent years. With a combination of skill, speed, and an eye for goal, Gordon has captured the attention of both club and national team scouts, quickly rising through the ranks to establish himself as a key player at the Premier League level. His performances for both his club and country have garnered praise, and he is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in English football.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Anthony Gordon’s career, his journey from youth football to the Premier League, his playing style, and his contributions to the English national team. We will also explore the latest developments in his career, his potential for the future, and what makes him a player to watch.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Anthony Gordon was born on February 24, 2001, in Liverpool, England. Coming from a city with a rich footballing heritage, Gordon was destined to be part of the footballing world from a young age. His love for the game was evident as he grew up, and it wasn’t long before he joined the youth ranks of his local club, Everton. Growing up in Liverpool, Gordon was exposed to football from an early age. His family were big supporters of the sport, and his passion for it quickly became apparent. His early years saw him playing in local youth teams and developing his skills, but it was at Everton’s academy that Gordon’s potential truly began to shine.
Joining Everton’s Academy
Gordon’s football journey officially began when he joined the Everton Academy at the age of 11. Everton’s youth system is known for nurturing young talent, and Gordon was able to develop his skills in a professional environment. His talent was clear from the start, and he quickly progressed through the ranks of the academy, impressing coaches with his technical ability, creativity, and work ethic. By the time Gordon was 16, he was already playing for Everton’s U18 team and starting to make a name for himself as one of the most promising players in the academy. His performances caught the eye of Everton’s senior team coaches, and it wasn’t long before he was integrated into first-team training sessions.
Breakthrough into the First Team
Gordon made his senior debut for Everton at the age of 16, a significant achievement for such a young player. His debut came in the 2017-18 season when he was included in the matchday squad for an EFL Cup fixture against the Championship side. Although he did not feature in that particular game, it was clear that the club’s coaching staff had high hopes for him.
Gordon’s Premier League debut came in 2020, during the 2019-2020 season. Under the management of Carlo Ancelotti, he was brought into the first-team fold and made his debut in the league against West Bromwich Albion. This was a pivotal moment in his career, as it marked the beginning of his journey as a top-flight footballer.
Impressive Loan Spells
Despite his promising start at Everton, Gordon’s breakthrough into the starting XI came after a successful loan spell. In the 2020-2021 season, he was loaned out to Preston North End in the Championship to gain more first-team experience. At Preston, Gordon’s skills blossomed as he featured regularly in the starting lineup, impressing fans and coaches alike with his performances.
The loan spell proved to be an important step in Gordon’s development, giving him the opportunity to gain vital match experience and further refine his game. Upon returning to Everton, he was quickly integrated into the first team as a more experienced and confident player, ready to contribute to the club’s Premier League campaign.
Key Attributes and Playing Style
Pace and Dribbling Ability One of Gordon’s standout qualities is his exceptional pace. As a winger, he possesses blistering speed that allows him to stretch defences and create goal-scoring opportunities. His acceleration and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations make him a constant threat down the flanks.
Gordon’s dribbling ability is also one of his most impressive attributes. He is comfortable taking on defenders in tight spaces and is skilled at using quick changes of direction to evade challenges. His dribbling style is direct and purposeful, with a clear intent to either create chances or drive towards goal.
Technical Skill and Vision
In addition to his speed, Gordon is a technically gifted player with excellent ball control. He is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and has a natural ability to link up play with his teammates. Gordon’s vision and decision-making also set him apart from many other young wingers. He is able to read the game well and deliver precise passes or crosses into dangerous areas, often creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to cut inside from the left wing and take shots on goal is another key element of his game. Gordon is not afraid to take on shots from distance and has an eye for goal, which makes him a constant threat when he’s in the final third.
Work Rate and Defensive Contributions: One of the most important aspects of Gordon’s game is his work rate. Despite being known for his attacking prowess, Gordon is also committed to his defensive duties. He tracks back diligently, helping his full-back defend against opposing wingers. His relentless energy and determination make him an asset to his team both in attack and defense.
Breakthrough Season in the Premier League
2021-2022 Season: A Key Player for Everton The 2021-2022 season was a breakthrough campaign for Gordon at Everton. With the departure of key players like James Rodríguez, there was a greater need for younger players to step up, and Gordon seized the opportunity. He became one of the most important players for the Toffees, contributing both goals and assists while consistently delivering strong performances.
Gordon’s versatility allowed him to play across various attacking positions, including left-wing, right-wing, and as an attacking midfielder. His development into a more consistent Premier League performer helped Everton avoid relegation struggles, with Gordon often being one of the standout players in difficult matches.
2022-2023 Season: A Growing Star By the 2022-2023 season, Gordon had established himself as a key player for both Everton and the England national team’s youth sides. His performances in the Premier League continued to improve, and his technical skills, combined with his tactical awareness, allowed him to become an even more influential player for his club. He scored several important goals and provided key assists in Everton’s fight to maintain their Premier League status. During this period, Gordon’s potential began to attract the attention of other top clubs, and he was increasingly linked with moves to higher-profile teams, including those in the Premier League’s top six.
International Career and Youth Success
England U21 and National Recognition Gordon’s performances at the club level did not go unnoticed by the England national team setup. He was called up to represent the England U21 team, where he continued to impress with his performances. His time with the U21s allowed him to gain valuable international experience, and it was clear that Gordon had the potential to break into the senior squad in the future.
His contributions to the U21s were pivotal in their campaigns in various youth tournaments, and he became one of the standout players in his age group. As a result, Gordon was often mentioned as a potential future senior England international, and many expected him to make his full debut for the national team in the near future.
The Future for Anthony Gordon
In the 2023-2024 season, Gordon made a high-profile move from Everton to one of the Premier League’s top clubs. This transfer marked the next step in his career as he joined a club competing regularly in the Champions League and for domestic titles. The move provided Gordon with the opportunity to showcase his talents on a larger stage, and he was seen as a player who could make an immediate impact at a higher level.
The move is expected to accelerate Gordon’s development, as playing alongside world-class players and competing in high-pressure situations will only improve his game. His ability to adapt to the demands of a top club will be closely monitored, and his performances in the coming seasons will be key in determining his future in both club football and the England national team.
International Future with England
Gordon’s impressive club form and international success with the U21s have left many anticipating his call-up to the senior England squad. As one of the brightest young talents in English football, Gordon is expected to play an important role for England in the coming years. His versatility, pace, and ability to contribute both in attack and defense make him a valuable asset for Gareth Southgate. Gordon’s potential to play in international tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup makes him a player to watch in the future. As he continues to develop, he is likely to become a regular fixture in the senior England team.
FAQs
Who is Anthony Gordon?
Anthony Gordon is an English professional footballer, born on February 24, 2001, in Liverpool, England. Primarily playing as a winger, he currently represents Newcastle United in the Premier League and the England national team.
What are Anthony Gordon’s career statistics?
As of January 2025, Anthony Gordon has made 250 career appearances, scoring 56 goals and providing 32 assists across all competitions. In the Premier League, he has played 135 matches, netting 25 goals and delivering 17 assists.
How has Anthony Gordon performed in the 2024/2025 season?
In the 2024/2025 season, Gordon has played 20 Premier League matches, scoring 6 goals and providing 4 assists. He has also featured in the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Nations League, contributing to Newcastle United’s domestic and international campaigns.
What honors has Anthony Gordon achieved?
Gordon was part of the England U21 team that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2023. Individually, he was named the Player of the Tournament at the same competition. At Newcastle United, he was awarded the Player of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign.
What is Anthony Gordon’s playing style?
Anthony Gordon is known for his pace, technical skills, and versatility in attack. He primarily operates as a winger but is also capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or forward. His dribbling ability and vision make him a significant threat in one-on-one situations.
In Summary
Anthony Gordon’s journey from a youth player at Everton to a rising star in the Premier League is a testament to his hard work, talent, and determination. With his combination of pace, technical ability, and footballing intelligence, he has the potential to become one of the top players in world football. Whether at club level or in international competitions, Gordon’s future looks incredibly bright, and he is a player to watch as he continues to rise through the ranks of English football. As his career progresses, football fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see how Gordon develops and what further success he will achieve in the years to come.
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