MY ACCOUNT
Frank Lampard is adamant Anthony Gordon will not be leaving Everton despite reported interest from Tottenham and Newcastle United.
Gordon provided a bright spark for Everton under both Rafael Benitez and Lampard last term, as the Toffees secured Premier League survival with one game to spare.
Along with Richarlison and Jordan Pickford, Gordon was a standout performer under Lampard, who took charge in January following Benitez’s dismissal.
No Everton player featured in more league games than Gordon last term, with the winger scoring four goals and setting up a further two, while only Demarai Gray (42) and Alex Iwobi (36) created more chances than the 21-year-old’s tally of 35.
With Richarlison having been sold to Tottenham for a deal reportedly worth an initial £50million, with a further £10m in add-ons, Everton – who needed a big sale to ease their financial difficulties – are down a key performer from last season, with the Brazil forward having scored 10 goals, including crucial strikes against Leicester City, Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the run-in.
Yet there is also interest in Gordon, with Spurs having reportedly looked at the possibility of signing the England youth international alongside Richarlison and Newcastle said to have made enquiries.
But with Gordon having taken the number 10 shirt ahead of the upcoming season, Lampard insists the youngster is staying put.
“He’s worked for it, you have to earn the number 10,” Lampard told Everton’s website. “With the 10, it has a bit of magic to it, a bit of flare and Anthony’s got that, but he’s got it in his own style.
“I don’t want him to be doing pirouettes on the halfway line, we need him doing what he was doing last year, plus goals and assists, which Anthony is so hungry to do.
“He’s earned it, absolutely. A link to the crowd, a link to the fans, a local boy – he gives everything, a great talent.
“He’s going nowhere, he’s our player. That was a hugely important thing for me, he’s the sort of player we want to build to go forward with and I’m delighted that he’s got his number 10 but now I want him to continue to earn it.”
Another player linked with a move away from Everton has been Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose late winner against Palace sealed their safety.
The forward had an injury-hit campaign and managed just five goals, but Lampard is eager to see the England international back at peak fitness.
“I couldn’t have been happier for a player to score that goal that goes down in Everton history. You get goosebumps when you think about it, it’s just an amazing goal,” Lampard added.
“I saw Dominic in my time at the club striving, doing everything to be fit. The powerhouse that we saw in the last games of the season – that’s Dominic. Great lad, great talent, a dream to work with. A fully fit Dominic is something for us to get excited about this season.”
