Theo Walcott thinks Anthony Gordon’s talent was mismanaged during their time together at Goodison Park.
Gordon departed Merseyside back in 2023 for Newcastle United, where the 25-year-old has been exposed to Champions League football.
After his recent visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Gordon laughed at Everton fans booing his return to Merseyside.
Gordon’s time at Goodison Park came to a controversial end after the forward forced through his move to Tyneside.
What would your message to David Moyes be after the loss to United? 😡
He cannot find the answer at the Hill Dickinson…
David Moyes reacts during Burnley vs Everton at Turf Moor.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport
However, former Everton winger Walcott believes it was actually the Blues who did not manage the talent of Gordon in the best manner.
Newcastle United FC v Qarabag FK - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg
Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Everton told they mismanaged Anthony Gordon’s talent
In contrast to Walcott, Andros Townsend said Gordon didn’t work hard enough during his days at Finch Farm.
Since departing, the 25-year-old has gone on to score 36 times in 144 appearances for the Magpies.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Walcott has claimed that Everton should not have been playing him over Gordon at Goodison Park.
Which former Everton striker would you hypothetically bring back to play in the current side? 🤩
David Moyes quote on having Wayne Rooney back at Everton in a dream scenario.
Credit: Getty Images/Jamie McDonald.
“To be honest, he probably should have played ahead of me when I joined the club and I noticed this young man coming through and I just thought, he’s got just outrageous pace,” said Walcott.
“But what I felt was he was kind of restricted and the way he was managed wasn’t right probably at the time. And he kind of started to unleash and play with a bit more freedom, play with that energy.
“And what I really like about him, he can just adapt anywhere on that front line. I think now you’re starting to see, he’s trying to mould him into the nine because they’ve not been able to replace that number nine right now.
“However, he’s always talented, always wanted to listen to the experienced players, even take in from the younger players. But he was an inspiration as well for the younger players thinking, no, we can be in this Everton team. So, for me, he’s got better and better. And yes, he has struggled in the Premier League, I get that. However, there’s moments, but we want more.”
Conor Coady has also praised Gordon’s attitude during his time at Everton, but the manner in which he left the club has left scars among the fans.
Gordon is still struggling in the Premier League
As good as Walcott has claimed Gordon to have been during their time together at Everton, the winger did only score seven goals for the Blues.
His form at Newcastle this season has also come under scrutiny as his return in the Premier League has been dwarfed by Champions League form.
Anthony Gordon 25/26 Premier League Champions League
Appearances 21 10
Goals 3 10
Assists 2 2
Even Eddie Howe has suggested Gordon has refused to play on the right, with his preferred position either on the left or through the middle.
So, despite his impressive form in the Champions League for the Toon, Gordon has not had a trouble-free season under Howe.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox