The way that Anthony Gordon sees it, he is still the same player, the same guy – on a journey, striving for self-improvement, a thinker, immensely driven. The way that an increasing number of people see him is changing, certainly in the UK. And, for that, it is impossible to overlook the Barcelona factor.
The winger had a positive World Cup for England, despite a slow start, culminating in the dream moment when he gave his team their 1-0 lead in the semi‑final against Argentina. It was the prelude to the nightmare when he was withdrawn as Thomas Tuchel switched to a back five. England were reeled in, beaten 2-1, left with eternal regrets.
When the 25-year-old reflects on his summer, there is a reason why he describes it as the “best experience” of his life. He made the difference against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last 32, coming on as a substitute with England 1-0 down to set up Harry Kane’s goals for the 2-1 win. Gordon was excellent in the last-16 epic against Mexico at the Azteca.
The England support said goodbye to Gordon for a while when he went off against Argentina. The reunion for the beginning of the Nations League campaign has been an eye-opener, the feeling hard to ignore that Gordon, who signed for Barcelona at the end of May in a £69.3m deal from Newcastle, has taken his game to a new level. He was England’s best player in the 2-0 win against Czechia in Prague on Tuesday.
He was impressive in the 3-2 defeat by Spain at Wembley on Saturday. Gordon has always traded on his pace and hard running, his pressing ability. But there was a revealing exchange between him and the media at St George’s Park last Wednesday when he talked of how closely he was associated with Eddie Howe’s high-tempo, back‑and-forth style at Newcastle.
Gordon’s point was that it was all people saw in him. Whereas now at Barcelona, who control the ball more, he has had to show greater game awareness; sophistication, subtlety. It has been about finding the right spaces, grooving the connections.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
