When Everton appointed Rafael Benitez back in June 2021, it was a decision met with widespread criticism among the Goodison Park faithful.
Benitez’s previous stint at Merseyside rivals Liverpool put him on the backfoot immediately and it proved to be a difficult job for the Spaniard.
He was given limited funds to spend that summer due to PSR issues as he outlaid just £1.6m across five additions.
Demarai Gray was the only new arrival brought in for a transfer fee whilst Andros Townsend, Salomon Rondon, Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan joined on frees.
Benitez’s tenure lasted just six months as he was sacked in January, leaving Everton perilously close to the relegation zone.
The 64-year-old has been reflecting on his spell at Goodison Park and has just made a fascinating claim about Anthony Gordon.
Anthony Gordon was one of the best finishers in Everton training
Benitez, speaking to the TNT Sport, revealed that Anthony Gordon was one of the best finishers in Everton training along with Richarlison.
“We had a game at the end of training, a finishing drill and he (Gordon) was always first or second with Richarlison, so he’s a great finisher too,” the former Everton boss said.
Benitez also shared that Gordon’s stamina massively improved during his tenure: “He’s a nice lad and a good professional. We discovered he had some issues with his stamina. Then we worked on that.
“At this time he could make the sprints but he couldn’t recover properly. We started working with him and I remember he had to go with the Under-21s. As soon as he improved that, he was going with the national team.”
Gordon now flourishing at Newcastle United
Since Gordon’s Everton departure in January 2023, he’s established himself as one of the best wide players in the Premier League at Newcastle United.
The England international was linked with a mega-money move to Liverpool last summer and is set to garner interest once again this coming window.
Luckily for David Moyes, he’s found his Gordon replacement in Iliman Ndiaye, who’s enjoyed a stellar debut campaign on Merseyside.
Ndiaye is currently sidelined through injury but could make his return before the end of the season.
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