‘Better player than Martial’: Pundit thinks 22-year-old Newcastle player looks so good out of position

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As Newcastle United struggle with injuries, Eddie Howe has been forced to experiment.

The Magpies’ big issue is up front, where Callum Wilson is Newcastle‘s only fit striker. That is because Alexander Isak is out of action with a groin injury, with the 24-year-old due to return after the international break.

But Wilson has his own fitness concerns, which is why Howe is having to be careful with the number nine amid an intense period of fixtures.

It has forced Howe to play Anthony Gordon up front, having admitted that his flexibility to play in that role is a big reason why Newcastle bought him from Everton.

The 22-year-old started there against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and was outstanding. Then he did it again on Saturday, moving through the middle when Howe took Wilson off against Arsenal in the 62nd minute.

Two minutes later and Gordon was celebrating, as his tap in made it Newcastle 1 Arsenal 0. It was a controversial goal, but showed how Gordon has the goalscorer’s instinct to play through the middle.

He has got four goals and two assists to his name this season, and has received a lot of praise from former Wimbledon midfielder Robbie Earle.

Robbie Earle seriously impressed with striker Anthony Gordon

Earle has appeared on The 2 Robbies Podcast on NBC Sports’ official YouTube channel, and commented on Gordon’s recent performances as a striker.

“I watched the League Cup game midweek and Anthony Gordon actually started as a centre-forward because Isak was out and they wanted to save Callum Wilson,” he said.

“They played him as a number nine. He did a great job. He looked a better player than Martial as a number nine.

“Brought into the football club for a lot of money. Harvey Barnes has come in, you thought maybe that’s Gordon out.

“He’s become important to them. Anywhere across that front line, he can play either side or he can play centre-forward. He’s getting a few goals, he’s getting confidence. And Eddie Howe has always said that there’s more to come from Anthony Gordon.

“Important goal, albeit lucky with what VAR did or didn’t do. But his goal was the difference between the two teams.”

Gordon’s versatility is key for Newcastle

Given Newcastle’s injuries, it is so important to have players like Gordon. His flexibility has played a huge role in the club enjoying a glorious few days.

And his flexibility will probably be needed again on Tuesday night, when Newcastle face Borussia Dortmund in Germany. Gordon will likely end up being a striker once again, but he has shown that he has the tools to thrive in that position.

His performance against Man United was brilliant, then he got the decisive goal versus Arsenal. Gordon is delivering no matter his position or the competition, and it is why he is one of Newcastle’s most influential players this season.