Anthony Gordon is beginning to find his form again
Newcastle United celebrate during their Champions League win over Benfica
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon has 10 goals this season(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
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Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon must improve his output if he is to be considered a £100m player - but he has all the tools to do just that.
That's according to former Newcastle midfielder Jeff Hendrick, who insists he is a big admirer of the England international.
Gordon, like United, has suffered an up and down season, but was at his explosive best when setting up Jacob Ramsey's winning goal at Tottenham last week.
He has starred in the Champions League, where he has bagged six goals and two assists, but Hendrick wants to see a more consistent output from the winger.
"Anthony Gordon is actually a player I really like. I think he's direct, he's positive, and he seems quite clever," he told Fruity King.
"I've seen him do certain interviews, and he's a real worker, making sure he's fully prepared for the game. He doesn't leave a stone unturned.
"But then, if you're talking a hundred million, and I don't like delving into stats too much, I think his figures need to be better if you're going for a hundred million. I don't think his goals and assists have been good enough this season to justify a hundred million.
Anthony Gordon scores against Liverpool
Anthony Gordon scores against Liverpool
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"I know he's a really good player, and with the prices people are going for now, it's probably about right. But I want better numbers from an attacking player, especially with the ability he has, if you're going for that sort of price."
Gordon has recovered from a hamstring problem to play a big role in United's recent games, and is expected to be a key man when they head to Qarabag for Wednesday's Champions League clash. The forward could return to the starting XI having played the last half hour against Aston Villa from the bench.
With Yoane Wissa struggling with injury, Eddie Howe could hand the Scouser the role of central striker again, after Gordon played there both against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
So far this term, he has scored 10 goals in 35 appearances, with five assists. His six Champions League goals have included three penalties at Union SC and Bayer Leverkusen.
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