Benitez: Gordon improved his stamina through hard work

According to The Times, a pre-season training camp in Florida while Gordon was at Everton became a crucial turning point in his career.

At the time, Everton was undergoing pre-season preparations in Florida, USA, where the weather was intensely hot. During that training camp under Rafael Benítez, Gordon did not shy away from the heat; instead, he displayed a strong desire to win and remarkable adaptability, ultimately earning the trust of the coaching staff and gradually establishing his place in the team.

That trip to Florida also allowed Gordon to develop from a promising young talent into a key player for the team, laying the foundation for his later transfer to Newcastle and securing a regular starting position.