But there's been no such praise from opposition Premier League bosses this season and his own head coach hooked the England international at half-time in Sunday's defeat at West Ham United.
Gordon has dazzled in Europe this season and his four goals in three games is a tally only bettered by Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. There's an assist in the Benfica win to throw in as well.
But domestically, or in the Premier League at least, it's been another story. No goals and no assists and since returning from his three-game ban after his sending off against Liverpool, Gordon has been substituted in five successive matches.
"With Anthony, look, he’s played very well in the Champions League. He hasn’t quite hit that form in the Premier League, and that’s his challenge," said Howe ahead of Wednesday night's game against Athletic Club.
"I've had many discussions with Anthony and will continue to. He's a very honest player and there's no lack of effort or commitment or desire to do well.
"He's very driven to succeed and that's one of his biggest qualities. Sometimes things fall that way, a game of football is a game of football regardless of the competition. He's an outstanding player.
"Of course we need more from everybody in the Premier league. It's not just Anthony, it's everybody connected with all of our styles of play, defending and attacking.
"The league is such a high level regardless of who you play and of course there's added challenges, mentally, when you're returning from Champions League or cup games and we need to make that transition better."
Despite being withdrawn at half-time at West Ham, Gordon will almost certainly keep his place in the starting XI for tonight's game, as will Nick Woltemade who also made way after just 45 minutes at the London Stadium.
Howe said: "With Nick, we’re well aware that we’ve thrust him into every game near enough. I thought he looked a little bit fatigued.
"It was a case of making a decision that I thought benefited the team and Nick going forward. He is carrying a lot of load on his shoulders, and if I feel he is fatigued, I need to act and help him. That was the thinking behind that one."