TalkSPORT pundit Perry Groves has been very impressed with how Anthony Gordon’s work rate has improved under Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.
This season, Gordon has been the epitome of what Howe has wanted to see on the pitch and has arguably been Newcastle’s most important player in the Premier League.
Perry Groves discussed on talkSPORT’s All Access podcast how he’s been so impressed with the transformation of Gordon from being a talented youngster at Everton to Newcastle’s star man.
Gordon leading the way for Newcastle
In the last few weeks in the Premier League, Gordon has been the shining star for Newcastle, netting four times in his last four home games against Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
The £45m signing did not get off to the greatest start since joining in January, but he has completely turned his from around and is now integral to this team, always looking to improve.
It’s not just that he’s now added goals and assists to his game, although it is a huge help, but it’s his desire to help his teammates and to run himself into the ground for his manager and his fans.
As Groves mentions, everyone knew Gordon had talent while at Everton, but few could have foreseen Howe developing him into this star player at Newcastle who leads by example every single week.
On the podcast, Groves said: “Gordon is a brilliant example. Gordon at Everton was decent going forwards but he didn’t work very hard for his team. He goes to Newcastle and the culture there is non-negotiable with Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall.
“Their culture is ‘I don’t care if you’re a left-winger, right-winger, when we’re out of possession you’ll get yourself back or close the ball down.’ Gordon is a brilliant example and the senior players in that team will dig him out for not doing the right thing.”
Gordon is now a Premier League star
Gordon is no longer just an impressive player at Newcastle, he is one of the best in his position in the Premier League under Howe, and the stats certainly back that up.
He’s obviously not yet reaching the heights of those at the very top of world football, but he’s climbing his way there and is showing up some of the established talents in the league.
Take Marcus Rashford in the Man United game for example, two players playing in a similar position but on wildly different form, and yet it was the player with just one goal from open play who most recently got into the England team.
If this form continues, Gareth Southgate simply cannot ignore the 22-year-old any more, but you still wouldn’t put it past him considering his history of selecting his usual players.
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