Theo Walcott shares what he really thought of Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon when he played with him at Everton

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Everton’s academy is famed for its consistent and incomparable production of first-team talent, some of which have shone for them, and others who have excelled elsewhere.

And whilst that supply has shortened in recent years, it remains one of England’s most famed producers of young English talent.

Sean Dyche would certainly not mind a fresh young star to emerge soon to ease one of his many issues at the moment, perhaps akin to Anthony Gordon or Ross Barkley.

The former, who only left last year, remains well-disliked by Evertonians for the manner of his exit though. However, few can deny just how much he has flourished at Newcastle United.

Theo Walcott makes behind-the-scenes Anthony Gordon revelation

Chatting on yesterday’s Monday Night Club with the BBC, Theo Walcott was effusive in his praise for one English talent who has truly flourished this season, much to the frustration of Evertonians.

After all, Gordon had shown little glimpse of such talent, yet now has 20 goal contributions for the Premier League season.

The 35-year-old pundit would actually hark back to their shared time together at Goodison Park, revealing what he was truly like back when he was a raw youngster seeking his big break.

Walcott noted: ‘You have got a case for Anthony Gordon. I think he played exceptionally well and looked quite established and experienced, even though it was his first couple games. I have worked with him quite closely and he’s a player I’m very fond of and is one who is only going to improve, improve, improve. I just think why not?

‘He’s fearless. He was a player, I like wingers who just get at their man every time. His first thought was I’m going to be positive. I like positive players.’

Anthony Gordon’s exit was akin to Ross Barkley’s

Leaving your boyhood club is never an easy feat, but one that many in top-level football do with ease.

Given all the money and temptations that the modern day boasts, it is easy for loyalty to get lost by the wayside. That is what makes the fans’ relationship with Seamus Coleman so special, showcased in their rendition of his chant last Saturday.

However, in Gordon, there was a distinct lack of that quality just as there had been with Ross Barkley over six years ago.

The midfielder had come through Everton’s academy and risen to prominence as a powerful yet skilful presence for the Toffees. Amassing 179 senior appearances, Roberto Martinez would even suggest he was ‘one in a million’, such was his talent.

But with injuries creeping into his game, including a horrific hamstring tear which curtailed his 2017, the club nursed him back to health and patiently awaited his return.

Only for him to jump ship the very next January, signing for Chelsea on a cut-price £15m deal.

Evertonians were furious, and he has since been a much-maligned figure on Merseyside.

Now, Gordon is the latest to depart when the club needed him most, handing in a transfer request and having fired subtle digs at Everton and its fanbase ever since.