Anthony Gordon has the mindset to support his talent as he prepares for his first season since fully bursting onto the scene, former academy graduate Leon Osman believes.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last year, cementing his place in the first team and playing a leading role in the club's fight for survival. His performances under Frank Lampard, which included the winner in a vital game against Manchester United, have led to him being handed more responsibility this season - and the number 10 shirt.
Gordon also endured tough moments last season, including criticism surrounding claims for a penalty controversially dismissed in the Anfield Merseyside derby, before becoming the subject of rumoured interest from other Premier League clubs this summer. In Osman's view, the city-born starlet has the psychological strength to push beyond any distractions and continue to make an impact for the Blues.
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Gordon made his Premier League debut in the 2019/20 season but it was last year when he truly burst through, scoring four goals and making 35 appearances. His efforts were important to Everton's success in avoiding relegation - the highlight being the deflected shot that sent Goodison Park into raptures as the Blues defeated Manchester United just days after suffering a devastating defeat to survival rivals Burnley at Turf Moor. Gordon also made an impression for England's Under-21 side - scoring twice against the Czech Republic after his first call up in November as he kickstarted his international career.
With the impact he made last season and the departure of Richarlison - another player who, like Gordon, was capable of uniting the Goodison Park crowd behind him - he will fall under more pressure this season. Osman, who made 352 Premier League appearances for Everton after emerging from the youth setup, believes Gordon has the mindset to make sure he does not let increased responsibility or scrutiny prevent him from progressing as a player.
Speaking to the ECHO while he was with the squad on its pre-season tour of the US, Osman said: "He's a confident young man and he believes in his ability and he believes in his attributes. When you do that you can then have faith in your techniques and have faith in what you can achieve. He is confident, he is new and he is still developing but he's going about it the right way. You learn about strong characters in adversity and he helped the team get through adversity last season. He did it by sticking his chest out and saying, even though he was a young player, 'I will take the ball, I will make things happen', so his character looks very strong."
Gordon himself told the ECHO he was aware he would be operating under more scrutiny this season but was looking forward to the challenge. He said: "I'm really excited. I feel like I've got a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, which I am ready for. I'm really excited, I can't wait... I think last year I sacrificed a lot of my game because of the situation we were in, so this year I really want to contribute and excel with goals and assists as well."
Asked how Gordon could match his ambitions and continue his improvement now opponents were more aware of the threat he posed Osman, who was speaking on behalf of Stake.com to launch their club record deal with Everton FC, said: "By working exactly as he has done, by wanting more, by striving for more and to improve himself. Second seasons are generally more difficult, people have seen your tricks and seen how you work so sometimes you just have to change and adapt a little bit to see what is coming.
"He is a smart enough footballer to be able to keep improving and stay on that upward curve. Who knows what his limit could be? But he has to not look for that limit right now. He has to keep progressing on a daily and weekly basis, making sure he is fit, making sure he is all worked up for the weekend and that he knows exactly what he is going to do so he can go out and perform."
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