Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon impressed Jose Mourinho after scoring against Benfica on Tuesday night.
After defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion, Newcastle United needed a response against Benfica.
Eddie Howe’s side stepped up to the mark as Newcastle beat Benfica 3-0 in a fine Champions League victory.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring before Harvey Barnes came off the bench to score twice in the second half.
Newcastle are now in a strong position after two wins from three league phase games, and Gordon has earned most of the praise.
Anthony Gordon poses with his Player of the Match Award after Newcastle United beat Benfica in the Champions League.
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Anthony Gordon on Jose Mourinho’s message after Newcastle United win
Gordon has scored four times in three Champions League games this season and caught the eye against Benfica.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho named Gordon as Newcastle’s Man of the Match as the winger registered a goal and an assist.
Mourinho was seen speaking to Gordon after the full-time whistle, and the Newcastle ace has explained exactly what was said.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Speaking to BBC Sport, Gordon admitted that Mourinho simply stated ‘you’re too much’, as his Benfica players struggled to cope.
Gordon admitted to being flattered by Mourinho’s praise, having loved ‘The Special One’ while growing up.
Gordon accepts that it may be a ‘weird’ admiration, given that Mourinho is known as a defensive manager, but he is just a huge fan of the Portuguese coach.
“He said: ‘You’re too much’, which is a big compliment for me because as a kid, he was my favourite manager in the world,” said Gordon.
“It’s quite weird because he was quite a defensive manager, but I just love the way, even then, the bench was getting up [to celebrate]. He really creates a team environment – it’s like us against the world. I recognise that from my own game, so it was a big compliment.
“It means an awful lot. Even if I hadn’t idolised him, a compliment from any coach at this level means a lot,” he added.
Anthony Gordon is turning on the style in Europe
Mourinho was right with his comments on Gordon, as the England star really was too much for Benfica to handle.
After scoring the opener, Gordon turned provider as he set up Barnes to make it 3-0.
Gordon and Newcastle’s other wingers have struggled for Premier League goals this season, but it’s a different story in Europe.
Only two players have scored more goals than Gordon in the Champions League this season – Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
Kane and Mbappe are among the top strikers in the world, so Gordon is in great company.
Gordon must now bring this form to the Premier League, but receiving praise from Mourinho should be a major source of confidence.