Home · Sports · Sep 12 archive
Signed instead of Rashford, Gordon is proving worth at Barca
Developing
In Short: Anthony Gordon, signed by Barcelona in May, is proving his worth on the pitch and in the locker room, impressing supporters with his team-first mentality.
That moment, where Gordon played for Newcastle against Barcelona, revealed plenty about his mentality. Despite the 7-2 defeat, Gordon's presence in the stadium he would ultimately call home was significant. For Barcelona supporters, it was another indication that they had signed a player who is not simply interested in making an individual impact but in doing whatever it takes to help the team succeed.
The 25-year-old is still hunting his first goal for Barcelona, but he has slotted seamlessly into the team's attack, often filling the left-wing spot that Marcus Rashford occupied last term. While there were questions over the £70m transfer fee, it is easy to see why Barcelona's supporters are already chanting his name.
Gordon's journey to Barcelona began when Newcastle finished 12th in the league, with Gordon managing six league goals and two assists in 26 appearances, including three from the penalty spot. Just a few months earlier, Gordon had been given a glimpse of what playing at the Nou Camp would feel like when Newcastle traveled to Barcelona for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The Magpies were beaten 7-2 on the night, losing 8-3 on aggregate, but for Gordon, there was something significant about being in Barcelona. The occasion offered a taste of the stadium he would ultimately find himself calling home. For Barcelona supporters, it was another indication they had signed a player who is not simply interested in making an individual impact but in doing whatever it takes to help the team succeed.
What's still developing
- Anthony Gordon has called Barcelona "the biggest club on the planet" and said he had dreamed about playing for them as a child Anthony Gordon has only played five matches for Barcelona since joining in May, but the England winger is already making a big impression.
- "You always want to win but it's always about the team first," Gordon said after the match.
- When Gordon completed his move this summer to become only the second English player to join Barcelona on a permanent deal, after Gary Lineker in 1986, there was plenty of curiosity surrounding the transfer.
Sources
- BBClink