Anthony Gordon forced his way into the Everton team at times towards the end of last season.
On the back of that, he might have hoped for more appearances this campaign.
It hasn’t panned out that way, with Gordon perhaps paying the price for Everton’s impressive summer of midfield recruitment.
But as he told the club’s official website, there is plenty for him to work on before he becomes a regular and has shared where Carlo Ancelotti has told him to improve.
“I need to be a consistently reliable defender for the team,” said Gordon, “That is what I need to improve – and what the manager has said to me. I work hard on it every day.
“It has to come from me, no one else can do it for me. If I really want to improve and that is my weakness, it is up to me to focus on it and make it a strong point.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
“I think I press really well because I am eager to win back the ball and go and attack.
“Where I need to improve is getting back into shape quicker and being harder to beat, instead of pressing, then waiting and not getting back into shape – being the odd one out.”
It’s promising to hear how committed Gordon is to working on his weakness.
He’s clearly spoken to Ancelotti about where he needs to improve to get into this side regularly.
And he’s taking on board and trying to bring his defensive work up to the level of his teammates.
With that attitude, he should become a first team regular in a couple of years time, or maybe less.
Nigel Martyn speaking to Everton News: Archive