Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Everton almost lost one of their brightest academy products in years over the summer transfer window when they discussed the sale of Harrison Armstrong with Nottingham Forest.
The Toffees have struggled to produce a lot of talent that has had an impact on the first team from the Finch Farm academy over recent years. Perhaps the nearest example to Armstrong was Anthony Gordon before he forced his way out of Merseyside.
Gordon has since gone on to become a regular for England and even earned himself a move to Barcelona. While he may have experienced some difficulties during his spell with Newcastle United, Gordon has now begun to flourish over in La Liga.
Dan Friedkin
Dan Friedkin
What Leon Osman has seen from Gordon since making the move to join the European giants has admittedly surprised him a lot.
Leon Osman stunned by what he’s seen from Everton graduate Anthony Gordon
Everton secured a sell-on fee from Gordon’s move to Barcelona which was certainly welcomed by the board on Merseyside following his messy exit from the club. To his credit, he certainly has stepped up since making the move to join Hansi Flick’s side.
“He’s had a really good break. He’s started to kick on, he’s started to believe his own hype and I’m starting to believe it. I didn’t see the kid I saw train at 14, the kid I was coaching at that level. I didn’t see this, this development, and I’m delighted for him,” said Osman on the Outside the Box podcast.
Through his opening six games in La Liga, Gordon has provided an impressive four assists. The former Everton winger is only behind Espanyol’s Javi Hernandez (5) in the assists table – albeit Hernandez has played an extra two games.
Gordon has started five times for Barcelona in the league and came off the bench in their routine victory over Feyenoord in the Champions League.
During his visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Gordon received a frosty reception from Everton supporters. However, he is owed some credit having secured himself a move to arguably the biggest club in the world and lived up to his price tag.