Former Toffees winger Theo Walcott feels Gordon was restricted during his time at Goodison Park
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon(Image: Richard Lee/Shutterstock)
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Games against Everton will always be special for Anthony Gordon, with the Newcastle United forward coming through the youth levels at Goodison Park before breaking into the big time with the club.
But as he prepares for Saturday's Premier League encounter with his old side, former Everton team-mate Theo Walcott has revealed he doesn't feel Gordon was given the best chance on Merseyside.
The 25-year-old has developed his game hugely at United under Eddie Howe, and is expected to lead the line again against Everton this weekend in a new role at the tip of the Newcastle frontline.
While he has played across the forward position, Gordon has favoured a left-wing role, but in recent weeks has established himself as a lethal centre-forward, notching four times in United's 6-1 win at Qarabag earlier this month.
Walcott was at Everton as Gordon came through the ranks, and speaking during Amazon Prime's coverage of United's second-leg win over Qarabag this week, explained why he felt Gordon should have been better managed earlier in his career.
“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,” Walcott said on Prime Video during United's 3-2 win over Qarabag
“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.
Wayne Rooney, Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Theo Walcott wearing red noses ahead of the UEFA Champions League, knockout phase play offs, second leg match at St James' Park
Wayne Rooney, Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Theo Walcott wearing red noses ahead of Newcastle United's UEFA Champions League, knockout phase play offs, second leg match against Qarabag(Image: PA)
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“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 are moments, but we want more.”
Gordon swapped Merseyside for Tyneside in 2023, and is enjoying an excellent spell in front of goal for United, particularly in the Champions League, with 10 goals to his name in the competition.
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