Anthony Gordon has endured a slow start to life as a Newcastle United player, but Eddie Howe believes there is a lot more to come from him.
Newcastle face Everton on Thursday night, with Gordon set to return to Goodison Park for the first time since his January exit.
He left his boyhood club in controversial fashion, and it is expected that the £45million man will receive a chorus of boos when the Magpies arrive on Merseyside.
The 22-year-old is expected to start on the bench, having lost his place in the side for the game against Tottenham. That match saw Jacob Murphy and Joelinton excel on the flanks, meaning it is incredibly unlikely that Howe recalls Gordon to the starting XI.
It means that Gordon will have to do his best to have an impact off the bench – something he has struggled to do at times.
The youngster is yet to burst into life in a black and white shirt, but Howe is confident that he is going to develop into a top player in the future.
Eddie Howe admits we have not seen the best of Anthony Gordon yet
Ahead of the game against Everton, Howe has spoke to the media. He was asked if fans have seen the best of Gordon since his January arrival.
No, I don’t think we have seen the best of Anthony Gordon,” he said.
“There is more to come from him. We have seen glimpses of what he can do. There was a moment on Sunday when he nearly scored and showed his pace on transition. He has got so many qualities. Putting it all together for 90 minutes, we have not seen that yet.
“January transfers are incredibly difficult. An individual joining a new team, totally new way of playing. For a young player to adjust to, that isn’t easy.
“I am really pleased with him and I know he will be a high quality player for us in the future, and I know he is going to be the right signing for us because of the way he has reacted to the move.”
What a chance to burst into life at Newcastle
Gordon is yet to register a goal or an assist since joining Newcastle. His work ethic has been impressive, and he looks like someone who really suits Howe’s style of play. However, he eventually needs to start producing in the final third.
Thursday night would be the perfect time to do just that, up against his former club, in front of a fanbase that will be abusing him for the entire 90 minutes.
Newcastle can take another giant stride towards Champions League football with a win at Goodison Park, and it will further dent the Toffees’ chances of surviving in the Premier League. However, that will mean Newcastle doing something they have failed to do this season – win a competitive game in their ‘Saudi kit’.
For Gordon, it is obvious that the best is yet to come. As Howe says, arriving in January can be difficult, and our form has made it tricky for him to force his way into the side.
The Newcastle boss has full confidence in Gordon’s ability, and hopefully that can lead to an impressive showing against his former club Everton.
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