Anthony Gordon has played only 5 matches with Barcelona since joining the team last May, but the English international winger has already succeeded in leaving a strong mark with the Catalan giant. The former Newcastle United striker provided 4 assists in his first 5 matches with Barcelona, who is known for his high goal-scoring ability. Although the 25-year-old is still searching for his first goal, he - according to Elizabeth Conway on the BBC website - has integrated quite smoothly into Barcelona's attacking line, specifically in the left wing position, which was often occupied by his colleague in the England national team, Marcus Rashford, when he was playing for Barcelona on loan last season. Gordon's impact is not limited to his performance on the pitch, as he delivered his welcome speech in Spanish - a language he said he learned with the help of a Spanish physiotherapist at Newcastle - before adding a few phrases in Catalan as he spoke to the fans. Some questions have been raised over Barcelona's decision to pay £70m for Gordon, but it is now easy to understand why the Catalan club's fans are chanting his name.
From speculation to celebration
When Gordon completed his move this summer, becoming only the second English player to join Barcelona on a permanent transfer - after Gary Lineker in 1986 - there was considerable controversy surrounding the deal.
It was a huge sum for a player who, despite having performed admirably in the Champions League, had struggled in form in the Premier League and recorded relatively mediocre numbers. Newcastle finished the season in 12th place in the English Premier League, while Gordon scored 6 goals and made two assists in 26 matches, of which 3 goals came from penalty kicks. Naturally, this raised questions about whether he could secure a place in Barcelona's starting lineup.
Just a few months before that, Gordon had gotten a little idea of what it means to play at Camp Nou when Newcastle traveled to face Barcelona in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League. Although Newcastle lost 7 goals to 2 that night - with a total score in the two home and away matches amounting to 8 goals.
VS 3 - Being in Barcelona had a special meaning for Gordon; This occasion gave him the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the stadium that eventually became his home.
His European record told a completely different story to his domestic career. Gordon scored 10 goals during the 12 matches he played in the Champions League, where he presented distinguished and consistent levels against the strongest European teams. Only Kylian Mbappé, the Real Madrid striker (15 goals), and Harry Kane, the Bayern Munich striker (14 goals), surpassed him in the number of goals in the tournament last season.
Instant harmony
The England international has adapted very quickly in Spain, and has become an influential element in Barcelona's front line under the leadership of German coach Hansi Flick. Although he is still waiting to score his first goal, Gordon's speed and direct style of play fit perfectly into Barcelona's attacking system. When asked why Gordon was chosen instead of Rashford, Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, replied: “Our playing philosophy is very consistent with Anthony’s style.” He added: “His style is in line with what the coach is looking for.”
Gordon seems to have adapted very quickly. “I really feel like I'm at home,” Gordon said. The city is amazing, and my colleagues have been very welcoming. “I think my level will get better and better the longer I am here.” By playing mainly on the left side, Gordon gave the Barcelona coach an additional option to threaten the opponents’ goal. His ability to exploit space contributes to dismantling the opponent's defense line, while his movements without the ball create opportunities for his teammates. This was especially clear when playing alongside Lamine Yamal and Rafinha. Flick, Barcelona's coach, said: “The striker always wants to score goals. He had some chances but he missed them. However, he provided the decisive passes that paved the way for goals, and this is also very important.”
Gordon scored two goals within 4 minutes against Elche in his first league match. He was also alone with the Elche goalkeeper and had the opportunity to score a goal in his first appearance. But Gordon instead chose to cross the ball in front of goal to Fermin Lopez, who made no mistake in putting it into the net from close range. That moment revealed a lot to fans about Gordon's mentality; Instead of seeking the glory of scoring a goal on his debut, he opted for what was best for the team. Gordon said after the match: “We always want to win, but the interest of the team comes first, especially in this club.” For Barcelona fans, it was another indication that they had signed a player who not only strives for individual achievement, but also does his best to help the team succeed.
22 goals in 5 matches
Barcelona started out with great force this season, scoring 22 goals in its first 5 matches, while conceding only 3 goals. This is the most prolific start for the club since Flick took charge in May 2024. Moreover, Gordon can stay on the flanks and isolate the opposing team’s full-backs, exploit the spaces behind the defense line, or penetrate inside and pass to Barcelona’s other attackers. However, it's too early to say that Gordon has answered all the questions after just a few games. The English player is still waiting for his first goal, and maintaining this level of performance and enthusiasm throughout the season will be a great challenge. But this is a completely different discussion from the one that took place around him before his move to Barcelona. Instead of wondering whether he deserves to join Barcelona or not, people are now talking about his prowess and the level he can reach with the Catalan giant.
