Anthony Gordon: From Liverpool Roots to Headband-Wearing Premier League Star

Anthony Michael Gordon was born on 24 February 2001 in Liverpool, England, a city steeped in football tradition. Growing up in Merseyside, a place where football pulses in everyday life, young Anthony was drawn to the game early. His childhood was filled with makeshift pitches, childhood friends, and a singular ambition: to make it as a professional.

Early Years & Youth Development

Gordon’s talent became clear when he joined the Everton youth academy at the age of 11, after being released by Liverpool’s youth setup. This early setback only seemed to fuel his motivation. At Everton, Gordon progressed through the age groups steadily, showing glimpses of the attacking flair and work ethic that would later define his senior career. He was known in youth matches for his pace, ability to take defenders on, and tactical intelligence—versatile enough to drift from the wing or cut inside when the situation demanded.

Breaking Into Professional Football: Everton Debut & Loan Spells

His first brush with senior football came in December 2017, when Everton named him in their squad for a Europa League fixture against Apollon Limassol. He made his senior debut in that match, albeit as a very late substitute.

Over the next few years, he edged his way into more regular first team opportunities. In January 2020 he made his Premier League debut, coming on in a 1-1 draw with West Ham United. That same period saw him sign a long-term contract with Everton, signaling the club's belief in his potential.

To gain more experience, Gordon spent time on loan at Preston North End during the 2020-21 season, in the Championship. The loan helped him adapt to the physical and mental demands of senior football away from home, giving him more minutes, more responsibility, and a sharper edge.

Making His Mark at Everton

Returning to Everton, Gordon began making more regular contributions. In the 2021-22 season, he recorded assists and goals, including key performances against the likes of Leeds United and Manchester United. One standout moment was his goal in a 1-0 win over Manchester United, showing emerging composure in big matches and readiness to make a difference.

By this time, his game was more polished—improving off the dribble, better decision making in the final third, and an increasing ability to take on responsibility. His performances drew attention from larger clubs and stirred transfer interest. However, he remained committed to improving at Everton, even amid speculation.

The Big Move: Newcastle United

In January 2023, Anthony Gordon completed a high-profile transfer to Newcastle United from Everton. For many, it marked a defining moment: a chance to establish himself at a club on the rise, under pressure but with ambition.

Since joining Newcastle, Gordon has evolved. Under manager Eddie Howe, he has been entrusted with greater creative freedom. He has worked on improving finishing, consistency, off-the-ball runs, and defensive contribution. His performances grew, with growing numbers of goals and assists, particularly in the 2023-24 season. Teammates and pundits noted his increased maturity—he was less about raw flair and more about effectiveness.

International Career with England

Anthony’s rise at club level caught the attention of national team selectors. He progressed through England’s youth ranks, representing the U-18s, U-19s, and U-21s before earning his senior debut. His call-up to the England men’s senior squad came in March 2024, following impressive displays for Newcastle.

Since then, Gordon has built up caps, adding value beyond scoring—his speed, ability to stretch defenses, and tactical flexibility are assets for England. Although goals are still relatively fewer than many might expect, his overall contribution to team play and pressing has earned him praise.

Style, Personality & Off-Field Life

On the field, Gordon is known for his electric pace, dribbling skill, willingness to take on defenders, and adaptability. He’s deployed on the left wing primarily, but can shift across the front line, cutting inside or staying wide.

Off the field, Anthony maintains a strong connection to his roots in Liverpool, often talking about the impact of his family and the community there. He is regarded as a grounded young professional, ambitious, but conscious of the scrutiny that comes with playing at top level.

A small but memorable detail: at training sessions, especially during pre-season or warm-ups, Gordon has been photographed wearing a headband—part functional, part personal style. It’s hardly ever the story, but for fans, it’s one of those little tokens that becomes associated with rising players.

Milestones, Challenges & Growth

Milestones

Signing his first professional contract with Everton and making senior debut in 2017.

First Premier League start.

Loan to Preston North End, adding experience in Championship.

Key goals and assists for Everton in 2021-22, including match winners.

Transfer to Newcastle United in early 2023 and subsequent growth.

Senior debut for England in 2024.

Challenges

Every young player’s path has bumps. Gordon faced periods of criticism—consistency was one. Matches where he drifted out of play, struggled with decision making or finishing, or perhaps felt the pressure of big transfers weighed on him. Also, Everton’s struggles in certain seasons, the media speculation about moves, and comparisons to others challenged his mindset. But across all of this, what stands out is his resilience. He appears to take criticism and convert it into motivation.

Recent Performance & Future Ambitions

As of 2025, Gordon is widely regarded as one of the most exciting attacking talents in the Premier League. His market value reflects that, and so do his stats: goals, assists, chances created, contributions in big matches. With Newcastle also pushing into European competition, Gordon is getting more chances on big stages to test himself.

His ambitions are clear: to win trophies, to be a regular starter for England, and to keep improving. He has spoken in interviews about how managerial support, the club’s direction, and his own professionalism are keys to that. He also seems aware that talent alone won’t carry him; consistency, maturity, and adaptability will be what define his legacy.

What Sets Him Apart

There are many pacey wingers in England; what makes Gordon stand out is a blend of attributes:

Versatility: He can play wide left, drift inside, or contribute centrally when needed.

Work rate: Not just scoring, but also pressing, defending from the front, and tracking back.

Mental strength: Handling pressure of transfers, media, and personal doubts.

Ambition: He hasn’t settled; he pushes for more, whether that’s more minutes or more responsibility.

And, for the attentive fan, that little headband in training or warm-ups sometimes becomes shorthand for “Gordon’s in serious business mode” — a tiny sign of focus, a reminder of the intensity he brings even in preparation. (Subtle, yes, but part of his visual identity for many.)

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Anthony Gordon

As he settles further into his role at Newcastle United, expectations are rising. Trophies are the missing piece: Newcastle fans, players, and management all share the goal of silverware. For Gordon, being part of that first major trophy would be a milestone.

With the England team, the next tournaments will test his place — European Championships, World Cup qualifying, major international cups. If he keeps improving his final-third output (goals, assists, shot accuracy), those chances may become more consistent.

Also, his off-pitch growth matters: professionalism, life balance, media interaction, handling expectations. He seems to understand that a long career is built not just on raw ability but on taking care of body and mind.

Conclusion

Anthony Gordon’s journey from Liverpool youth football, through Everton's academy, loan spells, to becoming a key player for Newcastle United and an England international is a story of persistent growth and evolving identity. He has navigated high expectations, transitions, and challenges with resilience and focus.

While goals and assists will always be tracked, perhaps more telling is how he has matured as a player and a person — someone who recognises the pressure, still loves the game, and works hard to lift himself and those around him.

So when you see him on the pitch, whether bursting down the wing, creating chances, or quietly carrying the weight of expectation, there’s more than just the yellow shirt and name on the back — there’s a story of steady climb, ambition grounded in effort, and, yes, that occasional headband in training that hints at the seriousness behind the talent.