Anthony Gordon 2021/22: The bright spark in a difficult season for Everton – scout report

In a season which has seen Everton fall to the brink of relegation, Anthony Gordon’s emergence has been a shining light for the blue half of Merseyside.

After spending the part of last season on loan at Preston North End this season has been a breakthrough season. The twenty-one-year-old made thirty-three appearances across all competitions scoring four goals and getting three assists.

The fearless winger is a product of the club’s youth academy. He has established himself as a pivotal member of the Everton first team and has featured in the last three England u21 squads. Playing two hundred minutes out of a possible 270 and scoring three goals.

In this scout report, we will provide a tactical and statistical analysis which focuses on the attacking and defensive phases of Anthony Gordons game.

Positioning and off the ball movement

Anthony Gordon has shown he can be equally effective playing on either wing for Everton this season. Both Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard have used his versatility throughout the season and have switched him between flanks on a regular basis.

This heat map shows the average position on the pitch that Anthony Gordon has picked up during the season. Positionally you can see his movement and the spaces he likes to occupy.

Whether Anthony Gordon is playing on the right or the left there is a lot of variation in his movement. He can move effectively between the outside channels and the half-spaces picking up the ball in pockets of space that make it very difficult to defend against.

He has very good football intelligence for a player of his age group. When Everton looks to attack his off the ball movement into specific areas of the pitch is very quick and decisive. Often disrupting his opponent’s defence.

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