Anthony Gordon started up top for Newcastle United as they drew with Aston Villa in their Premier League opener, and Wayne Rooney has identified an issue with this.
Newcastle drew 0-0 with Aston Villa in a rather dull Premier League opener, with little to shout about, apart from an Ezri Konsa red card in the fixture.
Eddie Howe’s side, however, was the better team. They were unlucky not to come away with the win, despite the fact that they actually weren’t playing with a proper striker on the pitch.
Anthony Gordon took on this role, but Wayne Rooney identified that this shouldn’t be happening.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Matty Cash of Aston Villa
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Wayne Rooney on Anthony Gordon after Newcastle vs Aston Villa
Mark Chapman asked Rooney if he believes, given Howe’s track record, that the Englishman could be converted to a striker at Newcastle. His answer was very firm.
“No. I don’t think so,” Rooney begins. “I think for Anthony Gordon as well, his best position is out wide. He looks more like a danger there.
“I think what’s clear is Newcastle need a centre-forward, whether that is [Alexander Isak] staying at the football club, which could be difficult now, or they bring another centre-forward in. You’re getting more out of Gordon and even Anthony Elanga when they’re playing in these wide areas.”
A clear verdict. Despite Gordon’s quality as a forward, it is true that he’s so much better utilised as a winger.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
His pace and dynamism are 100% qualities of a winger, which Rooney has stood by for some time now.
Rooney echoed similar thoughts on Gordon for England.
Speaking before Euro 2024, Rooney also lauded Gordon’s abilities as a winger, stating he wanted to see him start there under Gareth Southgate.
“He’s different,” he said.
“Saka does as well but maybe not as much as Gordon – he runs off the ball, he runs in behind, he takes the ball and commits players. He will hold the width. We’ve seen him do it for Newcastle. He’ll keep the width which allows more space for these players [such as Foden].
“Eze likes to come inside, Palmer could play there, but their biggest strengths are coming inside.
“He’s the one player who will hold the width and make it difficult. If teams sit back, you need width. You need to keep moving it from side to side to create opportunities.”