Michael Ball backs fan plea to start Anthony Gordon for Everton

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Former Everton defender Michael Ball believes it might be time for Marco Silva to use the academy options.

On Twitter, Ball agreed with an Everton fan who wrote a paragraph calling for Anthony Gordon to start for Everton. Everton fan Oliver Crawley posted his plea to Silva on Twitter and asked Ball what he thought.

Ball – who played for Everton between 1996 and 2001 – agreed that a youngster could kickstart Everton’s season. The Toffees are in the relegation zone over the international break and they need some inspiration.

Ex-Everton left-back Ball said: “It just can’t carry [on] the way it is. Youth can bring excitement if used in the right way. Maybe then the senior players will step up when they see the younger lads being brave showing no fear.”

Gordon is the standout academy player this season and the one that Oliver Crawley wants to see against West Ham after the break. The 18-year-old predominantly operates in the number 10 role but he can play up front or out wide. With six goals already this season, it is no surprise that fans want him in the senior side.

TBR’s view

Silva has nothing to lose at this stage; he needs to try something before it is too late and he is sacked. He can take inspiration from under-fire Newcastle boss Steve Bruce selecting Matty Longstaff, who scored the winner against Manchester United last Sunday.

Ironically, that goal sent Everton into the bottom three. But it could be the inspiration that Silva needs to turn things around at Everton. If Gordon hits the ground running in senior football, he could prove to be a revelation.