Anthony Gordon is becoming a "really key" player for Everton, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Having made his Premier League debut for the Toffees back in January 2020, Gordon has started to cement his place in the team this season.

How has Gordon fared at Everton this season?

Gordon spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship side Preston, but he has remained with Everton this term, and it has paid off.

The winger has featured in 22 Premier League matches in 2021/22, scoring three goals and delivering two assists.

He has produced a couple of standout performances since the turn of the year as he bagged a brace against Brighton in January, before scoring and assisting in Everton's win over Leeds the following month.

Gordon's performances have led to praise from Frank Lampard, who hailed the 21-year-old for his "great quality" in February, while also saying, "he has a great attitude, all the attributes to do what he wants in the game."

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What has Brown said about Gordon?

Everton have lost four of their first five league matches under Lampard, but Gordon has been one of their shining lights in recent times.

Brown thinks Gordon's work ethic has ensured that he is now a consistent starter for Everton, despite the club having more experienced players to call on.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Gordon always puts a shift in every game. His touch isn’t always the best, but he’s great at hassling, harrying and pressing opponents, and he just always seems to give them energy when he’s on the pitch, which I think is really key. And that’s why he’s playing.”

Will Gordon play an important role in trying to keep Everton in the Premier League?

It is looking that way.

Everton were thrashed 5-0 by Tottenham on Monday on a humbling evening in the capital. Gordon kept going until the final whistle, though, and earned a higher match rating than any of his teammates from WhoScored.

Lampard's side find themselves just one point above the relegation zone, and are in serious danger of dropping into the second tier.

They will need committed players who are willing to dig in when times are tough, and Gordon has shown that he is happy to put the work in to get his side out of trouble.

With this in mind, it is likely that Lampard will continue to pick Gordon, and will hope that the youngster can make a telling impact in the final third to steer Everton to safety.