Eddie Howe believes that Anthony Gordon will benefit from a full pre-season under his guidance.
The Scouser netted his first goal for the club in the 1-1 draw away to Chelsea but must now replicate that type of performance on a regular basis next term. Howe had his whole midfield wiped out for the game in the capital with Joe Willock, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff all missing with injuries.
Speaking about Gordon, Howe said: "I was really pleased for Anthony. I thought he played a different role due to the injuries we had in that area of the pitch.
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"I’ve brought him on in that position a few time, in running, and I think he’s done OK there, so I decided to trust him with that role from the start."
Gordon will be judged by fans next season after his £40million move from Everton did not get off to an explosive start. Howe said: "He didn’t let me down (at Chelsea). I thought he was really good, and had some really good moments in that first half.
"He probably tired a little bit in the second, but I’m really pleased that he scored, and hopefully that will give him a big lift going into next season."
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