Anthony Gordon sensationally reveals that a former Liverpool icon is his footballing hero… despite the ex-Everton winger once insisting he ‘lives and breathes’ the Toffees

Anthony Gordon has revealed that a Liverpool legend was his footballing hero while growing up, despite the former Everton winger having once insisted that he ‘lived and breathed’ the Toffees. 

The 23-year-old started his footballing journey in Liverpool’s youth academy before switching to join Everton at the age of 11.

He rose through the ranks at Finch Farm, graduating into the first team before completing a £40million move to Newcastle in 2023 – a deal that soured relationships between him and some Everton fans. Gordon had refused to train with the club before telling the Merseyside outfit that he would not be returning amid interest from Newcastle.

Despite that, winger – who hails from Liverpool – has gone from strength to strength following his move, recently earning his first senior England cap for Gareth Southgate‘s side, whilescoring 11 goals in 43 games for the Magpies, while featuring six times in the Champions League. 

But Gordon, speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, has now revealed who his footballing icon is, interestingly telling Gary Neville that one former Liverpool legend was the player he most looked up to. 

Gordon spent 11 years with Everton, initially joining from Liverpool’s youth academy in 2012 

‘Steven Gerrard was my football hero growing up,’ he said on The Overlap. ‘Coming from Liverpool, he was like a God in Liverpool, and he was unbelievable player.’ 

He also added that he has been inspired by Mohamed Salah’s mindset, lauding the Liverpool forward as ‘an absolute machine‘.

‘My confidence comes from my preparation. I don’t know where it comes from, I wouldn’t say anyone round me is anything like that. I just love learning stuff, and throughout my years growing up, I’ve taken a liking to learning about psychology.

‘There may be people who do the same thing as me, there may be loads who just haven’t spoken about it. 

‘Some footballers like to think less, just turn up and play and trust their instincts. I just love the mindset of getting myself in that place before I’m already there.

‘I saw Mo Salah talk about it – that’s where I took even more interest, because I see him as an absolute machine and a winner. People like that, you’re not going to go too far wrong following what they do.’

Anthony Gordon was speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet.

More to follow…