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Newcastle and Chelsea tried to sign Everton striker Anthony Gordon last summer and now the Magpies are believed to be frontrunners for a January signing – but why is the 21-year-old in demand?
Gordon failed to attend Everton training for the third day in a row on Thursday and his future at the club appears to be in doubt. It is thought that an offer of around £40m could tempt Everton into selling.
Here, we look at what the England U21 international could offer Newcastle or other potential suitors…
Young business
The winger has made just two substitute appearances since the defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day and was an unused substitute in last weekend’s defeat to West Ham.
Despite limited game time since November, Gordon remains the club’s top scorer with three goals in the league and has also had 16 shots on target.
Among his fellow U21s in the Premier League, the chart below shows just how out of touch Gordon is when it comes to goals per 90 minutes and shot accuracy – while only Bukayo Saka beats him for expected goals (xG).
While the heat map above clearly shows how Gordon has worked mainly on the right this term, the youngster has shot most accurately from the left side of the penalty box – scoring two of his three goals from this area.
His ability to cut inside and shoot from inside the opposition box, between six and 18 yards, is typical of the modern upside forward, and it should be remembered that Gordon plays for a club that has scored just 15 goals in the league this season – only Wolves have that. count less.
As a result he often shoots from the left side of the opposition box, the majority of his attempts are fired with his preferred right boot – into the goalkeeper’s left corner.
Energy and speed
Arguably, Gordon’s main strength is pure speed and energy, having clocked the second fastest speed in the Premier League this season at 36.61 km/h – bettered only by new Chelsea signing Mykhailo Mudryk.
The graphic below depicts Gordon’s physical efforts against all of his Everton team-mates and Newcastle players this season and shows how he is also elite for sprinting – just behind Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron.
Powerhouse clubs are attracted by the pace, energy and eye for the England U21 star, while his tender years offer room for development. Meanwhile, a three-day absence from training appears to suggest his future at Goodison Park could be over.
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