Anthony Gordon has impressed Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch for the way he dealt with interest from Chelsea. The 21-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Thomas Tuchel looked to bolster his frontline.
football.london understood that the Blues were prepared to pay as much as £60million for the winger. It's said that the west Londoners had several bids rejected by the Toffees, with Todd Boehly willing to do what it took to secure Gordon's services.
The interim sporting director wanted to include a handful of players in a potential player-plus-cash swap deal in order to reach Everton's full valuation. However, unfortunately for Chelsea, a move failed to materialise and the England youth international has be lauded for his approach throughout the saga.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly can sign perfect 'Didier Drogba heir' if Chelsea win £40m transfer race with Man Utd
Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand said that he was pleased to see the 'great respect' that Gordon showed Everton. He said: "What’s great about him is he’s shown a great respect for the club.
"You see other players, even in this window and past windows, a bid comes in and it unsettles them and the demands they make, he was very respectful. It played out how it was going to play out, looked after itself, first and foremost and he’s got on with his football."
The former Manchester United defender added that Gordon has played his best football for the Toffees since the rumours of an exit first emerged. He said: "He’s probably had his best spell under the biggest pressure."
Singing from the same hymn sheet, Crouch agreed with Ferdinand. The former Liverpool striker spoke on the pressure that Gordon has had to deal with in recent weeks, on and off the pitch amid Everton's shaky start to the Premier League season.
"Young players are built differently these days, they handle the pressure on their shoulders at a young age and relish it - he’s doing that. When someone bids £60million for you, you might become unsettled and difficult but he seems like it’s water off a ducks back."
READ NEXT:
Thomas Tuchel new Chelsea attack if £22m Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer is confirmed
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel responds to Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi transfer talk
Chelsea must spend £18m more to sign Ivan Toney over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Chelsea transfer business under the microscope in 'good deal' or 'bad deal'
