Liverpool's failed £75 million transfer for Newcastle star is something Alexander Isak should have learned from
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon (left) and Alexander Isak
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon (left) and Alexander Isak
Anthony Gordon was required to fill the space in Newcastle United's opening game of the new season - left by want-away striker Alexander Isak, and did so with full commitment to club on show.
Meanwhile Isak continues to train alone and is no nearer to being welcomed back into Newcastle's squad as he looks to force a move to Liverpool. 12 months ago, Liverpool were chasing Gordon - and the winger, understandably interested in joining his boyhood club became distracted by the saga.
Yet the England international never kicked up a fuss - he continued to train and was ready to be play for the club paying his wages - a stark contrast to that of Isak. The Swedish international took to social media on Tuesday night to publicly share his desire to leave whilst also accusing the club of 'broken promises.'
Much like with Isak, the want or a desire to move to Liverpool is not want angers Toon fans but rather the way an exit - or want of an exit - comes about, especially if a player goes on strike.
Gordon remained committed to Newcastle throughout last last summer and now is leading the line in an position in which he can't be his best but is giving his all for The Magpies.
Speaking on The Everything is Black and White Podcast, host Andrew Musgrove believes Isak should have taken a note from Gordon's approach to a summer of speculation which is said to have ended with a £75 million bid being discussed.
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"The point on Anthony Gordon is that he's the prime example that Alexander Isak should have followed when it comes to a speculative summer - you know, will he or won't he be a Newcastle United player?
"That was what we had to deal with last summer. Of course, Gordon would have been interested in a move to Liverpool. Not only can you win things, he's from the area, and reportedly a boyhood fan.
"Yes, he was distracted and yes, he took a little while to get back to his best, but he never downed tools.
"Who is to say the interest was as far along as it is with Alexander Isak, but the point being is he could have forced something but he didn't and look at him now, he's the shining example of how to be the ultimate professional.
"The bottom line is that while he's got that shirt on his heart, he's giving his all and that's more than can be said for Alexander Isak.”
In the season opener, Gordon was deployed as the central striker against Aston Villa at Villa Park - a game that ended nil-nil. Gordon looked lively and energetic - coming close with a header as Newcastle dominated the first half.
Despite Gordon's efforts, it was clear United lacked an natural striker with Toon manager Eddie Howe without options to replace Isak. United are still pursuing Brentford's Yoane Wissa but may now walk away after the price tag reportedly rose to £60 million for the 29-year-old.
Ironically, should Newcastle fail in their pursuit of a striker, Gordon could be asked to play up-top against Liverpool next week.
You can watch the full episode of The Monday Show via The Everything is Black and White Podcast by clicking here, or click here to listen to it.