It was far from a perfect first six months as a Newcastle United player for Anthony Gordon.
He joined from Everton in January for £45million, having had to force through a move away from his boyhood club to join the Magpies midway what was proving to be a remarkable season.
But while Newcastle went to the Carabao Cup final and qualified for the Champions League, Gordon struggled to play a part. His minutes were limited due to the performances of others, while he often failed to take the chances that came his way.
After the final game of the season when he netted his first Toon goal, Gordon did admit that it had been a really tough few months for him.
However, the 22-year-old could now be set for a breakout year on Tyneside. The club expect him to become a key player, while fans are keen to see him in action after watching him thrive for the England Under-21s. Gordon was exceptional at the European Championship, winning player of the tournament as the young Three Lions won the entire thing.
Gordon will now return to Tyneside full of confidence, and manager Eddie Howe is hopeful that he can play a much bigger role in his first full season as a Newcastle player.
Eddie Howe has high hopes for ‘valuable’ Anthony Gordon
Following Newcastle’s return to training, Howe has spoke to NUFC TV. He was asked about Gordon’s success for England, where he actually played as a central striker.
“I’d seen Anthony had played in that position for Everton before he signed for us,” he said.
“We spoke about one of the big things when we signed him was his versatility. For us he’s played left, he’s played right and he’s played centrally as a midfielder. In training he’s also played up front, and done really well in those games that we’ve had here.
“He’s a player that has that versatility, and in a season like we’re going to go into, players that can play in different positions are so valuable to us.”
Howe added: “Just looking at Anthony’s individual position, that tournament and how he played and the success that England got will hopefully serve him really well for the season ahead. We really do value him highly and hope he really contributes this year.”
Newcastle fans can’t wait for him to come back
With the ability to play on the left, right and through the middle, Gordon is going to be very important this season.
It will be interesting to see what Howe views as his primary position. With talk that Leicester City left winger Harvey Barnes could arrive, it might be safe to assume that Gordon is going to be deployed on the right of attack.
Wherever he plays, he will be full of confidence after an excellent summer at international level, although he will be keen to get pre-season underway with Newcastle to ensure he is sharp enough and fit enough to thrive in Howe’s side.
Newcastle fans have really taken to Gordon in recent months, and are very keen to see him do well in a black and white shirt. Howe is too, and believes that his versatility could make him a very important player in what will be a very tough season.
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