The former Newcastle forward made a comment before England's World Cup tie against Ghana that will leave many on Tyneside scratching their heads
DALLAS, TEXAS - JUNE 17: Anthony Gordon of England in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Dallas, United States. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Anthony Gordon is currently at the FIFA World Cup 2026(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)
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Anthony Gordon probably did not mean to raise eyebrows when he spoke to the media ahead of England’s drab 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday evening.
The former Newcastle United winger was simply explaining why he and his team-mates are enjoying life under Thomas Tuchel, praising England’s more direct, high-intensity approach that got pulses racing in their World Cup opener against Croatia. But one particular remark will have left plenty of Newcastle fans scratching their heads.
“We want to play [an] athletic style of football. We want to play a Premier League style of football which I think suits me and my strengths,” Gordon told the BBC before kick-off. “So I need to show that, I need to show when I get the opportunity because we’ve got some players with a lot of quality who can really put me in good positions, so hopefully we see that today.”
All of which begs a simple question: if a Premier League style of football suits your strengths, then why have you just left it behind?
Of course, there are plenty of reasons why a £70 million move to Barcelona may prove impossible to resist. Gordon himself described joining the Catalan giants as a “dream”, while the lure of Spanish sunshine and a reported doubling of his salary would tempt almost any player.
Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona in a £70m move before the World Cup
Gordon joined Barcelona in a £70m move before the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
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But read those 18 words again: “We want to play a Premier League style of football which I think suits me and my strengths.” At St James’ Park, Gordon was the perfect fit for Eddie Howe’s relentless style of play, receiving regular encouragement to press aggressively, attack space at every opportunity and use his blistering pace to stretch opposition defences.
Newcastle’s system appeared tailor-made for his strengths, and it is therefore no coincidence that the best football of Gordon’s career has come under the tutelage of Howe.
Barcelona, by contrast, represent an entirely different challenge. While they have evolved under boss Hansi Flick, their football remains far more possession-based and patient than the transitional approach Gordon has openly admitted suits him best.
Eddie Howe and Anthony Gordon
Gordon appeared far better suited to Eddie Howe's style of play(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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Anyone wondering how the England international may adapt to a more technical style of football need cast an eye over Tuesday’s stalemate with Ghana. Gordon struggled to make an impact against Auxerre full-back Marvin Senaya, rarely threatened in the final third and was eventually hauled off shortly after the hour mark as an incandescent Tuchel searched for a breakthrough.
Of course, Gordon may yet thrive at Barcelona and prove every sceptic wrong. But when the winger himself admits that a Premier League style suits him best, it is hard not to wonder whether he has just left behind the perfect environment for him to shine.
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