Exclusive: Danny Mills blown away by what he’s seen of Everton teen
Danny Mills has claimed Everton have got a “great talent” in Anthony Gordon and applauded Carlo Ancelotti’s management of the teenager.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, the former Leeds United and Manchester City full-back admitted while the 19-year-old did not set the world alight with his performances against Liverpool and Norwich there were encouraging signs.
Gordon was only a 90th minute substitute in the Toffees 1-0 victory over Norwich on Wednesday night but did make his first Premier League start in the Merseyside derby three days prior.
Ancelotti’s side created the best chances against their local rivals on Sunday and would have been disappointed to share a stalemate at Goodison Park.
The England Under-19 international did not look out of place playing among elite company and Mills believes it would not have been easy for the midfielder.
“He did OK against Liverpool and it was always going to be a difficult game,” he told Football Insider.
“It cannot have been easy making your full debut with no fans in a Merseyside derby.
“He is very highly rated at Everton.
“It will take senior players time to bed into this situation, let alone a new player, making his first start because he will be desperate not to make any mistakes.
“Ancelotti recognises that they are in a decent position so he can play him with one eye on next season. It was good management all round.”
Speaking on the youngster’s selection, Ancelotti said: “Anthony Gordon trained well, showed confidence and this is a good opportunity for him.
“He deserves to play.”
In other Everton news, Kevin Phillips claims top transfer target ‘knows his next club’ after big development.
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