Eddie Howe is a manager who makes his players better, and Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon epitomises that.
The 23-year-old has been a Newcastle player for just over a year now, having arrived from Everton for £40million in January 2023. He became one of the Magpies’ most expensive signings ever, but struggled to make an immediate impression.
Fast forward to March 2024 and Anthony Gordon is a superstar. He has been one of Newcastle’s best players this season, and his performances have earned him his first ever England call up.
The attacker has been completely transformed since joining the club, and he believes that Eddie Howe deserves so much credit for that.
Anthony Gordon is ‘better at everything’ since joining Newcastle United
Following his inclusion in the England squad, Gordon has spoke to NUFC TV. He was asked about how he has improved as a player, besides from scoring more goals and getting more assists.
“I’m better at everything than I was when I came,” he said.
“Being more trustworthy with the ball, my decision making, my defensive output and my running – some of the stats this year have been so high.
“I probably never could have achieved that if I was not playing for this manager. He’s given me the opportunity to go and excel and push all the attributes I’ve got to the very limit.
“I’ve still got a long way to go, but he’s allowed me to shine in my own skin.”
Gordon thinks there is still more to come
Gordon is a completely different player to the one who arrived from Everton. The main difference is his decisiveness in the final third.
He was previously flashy with no end product, but now he has clinical. Gordon has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season, while he also has seven assists.
His numbers are fantastic, but Gordon believes there is so much more to his game. As he says, he is now more trustworthy on the ball and makes better decisions. They are finite tweaks that the manager has helped him with, and are the type of details that have taken him to the next level.
And, of course, his work rate is incredible. He is a relentless and willing runner, which is why he is so important to this high octane Newcastle team.
But the most exciting thing is that Gordon still thinks there is more to come from him. He is only 23, and has plenty of time to keep getting better and better. And he expects that to keep happening under the guidance of Eddie Howe.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
