Demarai Gray makes Everton 'quiet patches' admission and Anthony Gordon claim

Everton winger Demarai Gray has hailed Anthony Gordon and said he is a ‘big fan’ of the homegrown star.

Gordon appeared in 35 Premier League games for the Toffees last season, scoring four times and adding two assists. He was crucial in the Blues’ late season revival under Frank Lampard, playing important roles in the wins over Manchester United [where he scored the winner], Chelsea, Leicester and Crystal Palace. He was also voted Everton's Players’ Player and Young Player of the Season.

Gray signed from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for £1.7m and scored six goals and provided five assists across 39 appearances in all competitions. And despite often competing with Gordon for a starting spot, the former Leicester man is a huge admirer of the Kirkdale-born youngster.

“I am a big fan of Ant’s and have a good relationship with him,” he told evertonfc.com.

“We come together naturally, playing the same position, and talk before and during every game, whoever is starting. I sit by him in the dressing room, so we talk at half-time, too. I class myself as a senior player. I’ve played hundreds of games, while he's just finished his first full Premier League season.

“I will always try to help him when I can, whether it is discussing an opposition player, or set-pieces, or how to use space on the pitch. It is easy to forget he is so young, because he plays with such maturity. Playing for Everton comes with big pressure and big responsibility.

“He is a player who wants a fight and will take that responsibility and is another one capable of making the difference in games. We are fighting for the same thing, for Everton to win games, and are always trying to help each other.”

Gray enjoyed a solid debut season at Goodison Park but has