‘He was really good’… Anthony Gordon says 25-year-old is the best full-back he’s ever faced

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Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has named one of his Champions League opponents as the toughest defender he has ever faced.

Anthony Gordon impressed in the Champions League for Newcastle earlier this season, but was unable to force them through to the next round. The Magpies finished bottom of their group, coming fourth after losing to AC Milan in their final game.

But it was a valiant effort from Newcastle, who proved that they belonged on Europe’s grandest stage. It was only the Borussia Dortmund games where they let themselves down.

Every game was tough for Newcastle, but the most difficult result to take was the 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain. Eddie Howe’s side were amazing that night, fighting for their lives only to be let down by a horrible refereeing decision.

Now Gordon has been looking back on that game, and has admitted that he now considers Achraf Hakimi as his toughest ever opponent after how he played back in November.

Anthony Gordon says playing against Achraf Hakimi was ‘mentally draining’

Gordon has appeared on TNT Sports’ Between The Lines, and was asked by Rio Ferdinand to name the hardest right-back he has faced.

“I’d probably say Hakimi for PSG,” he said.

“I remember thinking before the game that he might be a little bit soft. He’s a top player on the ball – usually you don’t get both.

“But he was actually a really good defender, because he’s quick so even if he makes a mistake he can get back. Same with Kyle Walker, who’s an unbelievable defender and really athletic.

“But Hakimi on the ball… It was so mentally draining for me to go all the way back, and then I had Dembele as well. PSG away he was really good.”

Newcastle tested themselves against the best in the Champions League

That night in Paris was agonising. What happened at the end was a disgrace, and it was so harsh on the Toon players who had worked so hard to hang on to their lead.

You could see how exhausted they were. And as Gordon says, it was not just physical exhaustion. He says playing against Hakimi was mentally draining, given how good the 25-year-old is in and out of possession.

It was a great test for Gordon, who will want to get another chance to play in the Champions League. He will be better from his experience in Europe, and would no doubt love the opportunity to take on Hakimi again in the future.

However, it is unlikely to happen next season, as it is looking almost impossible for the Magpies to qualify for the Champions League again.