Alan Shearer thinks Anthony Gordon never showed his best for Newcastle United after heaping praise on the new Barcelona winger
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer has accused Anthony Gordon of not showing his best form at Newcastle(Image: Zed Jameson/PA Wire)
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has claimed that the club never saw the best of Anthony Gordon during the forward’s time at the club, but explained why he accepts the reality that led to his departure. Gordon left the Magpies near the start of the summer transfer window to complete a permanent transfer to Barcelona.
Gordon joined the La Liga giants in a deal worth up to €90million (£76.3million) with add-ons and has gone on to enjoy an impressive start to his career in Spain.
The move saw Gordon’s time as a Newcastle player come to an end after three-and-a-half years at St James’ Park, during which time he scored 39 goals across 152 appearances.
The 25-year-old has yet to score his first goal for Barcelona, but has five assists to his name in La Liga, and has also impressed with England during the international break.
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Gordon got a goal and an assist in the Three Lions’ 7-0 win over Croatia on Saturday night, and has been on the score sheet in each of England’s three Nations League matches during the international break.
Shearer, who has clashed with Gordon in the past, accused the winger of only showing a fraction of his quality during his time at Newcastle, but insists that he doesn't have a problem with it.
“We only saw a glimpse at Newcastle of how good Anthony Gordon could turn out to be. I also probably looked at him and thought that he wanted to leave,” Shearer told Betfair.
Anthony Gordon of England celebrates scoring his team’s third goal
Gordon starred in England's thrashing of Croatia(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
“I think we could tell that, but he looks as if he's got loads of energy. He's got an appetite for where he is. Obviously, the surroundings, he's happy about going to Barcelona. He's happy with the move.
“I think you can tell that in his performances, whereas we probably didn't see that enough last season at Newcastle.
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“That is fine, I get you're always entitled to go and do what you want to do in your career, and he now looks as if he's in a happy place, both with England and with Barcelona.”
Newcastle moved to bring in Bazoumana Toure and Matias Fernandez-Pardo following Gordon’s departure as they looked to rebuild their forward options.
Fernandez-Pardo is yet to score his first goal for Newcastle since his summer move from Lille, while Toure has two goals to his name across his first four appearances of the campaign.
Matthias Jaissle’s side will return to Premier League action after the extended international break on Monday, October 12, when they take on Coventry City away from home.