Everton winger Anthony Gordon has stated that he “takes pride” of how he handles himself “off the pitch”.

In an interview published in Everton’s matchday programme for the tie against Leicester City earlier this month – during which he chalked up his maiden contribution – 19-year-old Anthony Gordon spoke of his physical transformation and his mental maturity.

Gordon said: “One of my friends is a personal trainer and trained us the whole time. It was like an army camp – we were up early and doing two or three sessions a day.

“My fitness levels went through the roof. I gained weight purely through muscle. I have been so sharp in training and not been getting tired, which is reward for all that hard work.”

He has also developed mentally, and it has been noticed by manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian noted Gordon’s “character and personality” particularly distinguish the teenager from his peers.

Gordon responded by saying: “I pride myself on how I carry myself off the pitch. That is one of the best things he [Ancelotti] could say about me, better than any compliment on my football.

“I try to make a good impression on people, always. For him to say something like that means a lot.

“My parents say to me all the time that I am mature for my age. I get a lot of people telling me that and it means so much. It is the best compliment I could receive.”

Liverpool-born Gordon made his first start for Everton’s senior side in the goalless Merseyside derby in June. He did not look at all out of place and played consistently well for an hour, despite being the youngest on the turf at Goodison Park.

He is slowly becoming a mainstay in the starting line-up, having begun the last four Premier League fixtures. Gordon bagged an assist when he set up Richarlison to take the lead against Leicester.