Anthony Gordon will back himself to deliver in the highly competitive world of Barcelona. He embraces pressure, and reads books on how elite performers prepare and impose their talent. Gordon is very single-minded as seen in the way he himself prepares and plays, and also the way he has driven his career from Everton to Newcastle United and now this wonderful opportunity at Barcelona. There's something of the nomad in Gordon's character, seeking out new adventures and challenges.
Gordon is 25, moving towards his peak years, and still with points to prove, a challenge he accepts. He will have to adapt his game at times at Barcelona, becoming more understanding of the demands of possession football as well as the counter-attacking surges that suit him best. He will have to learn fast if he is to start ahead of Raphinha, who’s had injury issues but remains irresistible on his day.
But Hansi Flick and the Barcelona fans will love Gordon’s pressing, and when he burns upfield with pace, aggression and directness. They will love his versatility across the front line. Gordon is best down the left but 9 of his 17 goals this season have come when playing through the middle.
This is a move that suits all parties. It suits Barcelona who deepen their attacking options, who don’t overstretch on wages and who know they can sell Gordon back to the wealthy Premier League if the move doesn’t work out.
It suits Newcastle, who need funds for rebuilding. They get £69m for a player who was always going to move on at some point, whose popularity was waning amongst some Newcastle fans, who was not always in Eddie Howe’s plans. Harvey Barnes (more a winger) and Jacob Ramsey (more a left 8) offer options on the left.
It suits England who have a player developing further at a top club. It suits everyone bar Marcus Rashford. Flick now has three great options on the left, Raphinha, Gordon and Rashford, who has done very well on loan from Manchester United. Can Barcelona possibly keep Rashford, especially if they also land Julian Alvarez?
Rashford deserves to be in demand following his excellent performances this season. He also starts ahead of Gordon on England’s left. He’s a huge talent. Rashford might not fit the Arsenal mould, in age and wages, but he'd certainly be an upgrade on their left flank.
The move obviously suits Gordon who has this relentless desire for self-improvement, gets to represent one of the most famous teams in the world and will have to take his game to a new level if he is to start ahead of Raphinha. He's up for the challenge. Good luck to Gordon at Barcelona.
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