Anthony Gordon has reiterated that he wants to bring more goals and assists to his game now that he is Everton's new No.10.
The winger was rewarded for an exceptional 2021/22 campaign with a new squad number earlier this month after a string of performances which have made him a fan favourite. The academy graduate has been subject of rumours linking him with a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in recent weeks, but the Blues have been consistent in their view that he is not for sale.
And, reacting to his new shirt, Gordon admitted that it was a number he has wanted since he was a child. The forward took time to thank the club and Frank Lampard for the faith they have shown in him, and he hopes that he can repay that in the near future.
READ MORE: Everton transfer latest as Arsenal close in on Oleksandr Zinchenko and Armando Broja suffers 'blow'
READ MORE: Farhad Moshiri confirms Everton are 'not for sale' in statement to fans
He told Everton's official YouTube channel : "It means a lot. It's a number I've always wanted from being a kid, it's always been my favourite number. I think it's iconic. Every big team in the world has big players who wear the No.10, so to be given the chance to wear it is a massive confidence boost for me and shows how much the club value me.
"Also I've got to thank the manager, because ultimately he has a big say in that and he thought I'd earned it. It's a big step for me and now I'm ready to slide into the role nicely."
Stepping up to wear that number means Gordon wants to continue improving himself. After bagging four Premier League goals last season, the winger has his sights set on increasing his numbers both in finding the back of the net himself, and setting up team-mates to do the same.
"I think for me, I've always said I want to be a top player, I don't just want to be a good player. So I want to score more goals and get more assists," he added.
"I've said it plenty of times, that's what's going to take my game to the next level and ultimately where I want to get to. That's what I'm looking to add to my game and I'm working day in, day out on little details with the manager and Joe [Edwards] on how I can do that. So I'm looking forward to seeing how it's going to go."
Gordon has developed and matured drastically over the course of the last year and he took time to praise both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies for their help, not just on the pitch in that sense, but off it too.
He remarked: "I think the group we've got now, because I've come through with them as a young lad, they've helped me a lot. I would say Dom and Tom especially, they help me in ways I don't think they realise.
"Out of football as well, just encouraging me to express myself, they help me a lot. On the pitch as well, because they're both very driven, but off the pitch they help me a lot in doing what I want to do and not letting too many things bother me."
READ NEXT:
- 'I'm ready' - Conor Gallagher addresses Chelsea future amid Everton transfer rumour
- Mystery surrounds Dixie Dean meeting with Babe Ruth as Everton head to Baltimore for Arsenal clash
-
Frank Lampard issues blunt message on Anthony Gordon future amid Everton transfer talk
-
Frank Lampard opens up on James Tarkowski transfer and instant Everton squad impact
-
'Star boy' - Everton pair comment on Anthony Gordon's bold new look and give squad fashion verdict
