‘Lifted his game’… Jamie Carragher so impressed with 22-year-old’s improvement at Newcastle

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Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon for his EAFC24 Pundit Pick for his performance against Arsenal.

Newcastle had a number of key players in the 1-0 victory over the Gunners, but it was the goalscorer who earned this week’s recognition.

Carragher spoke on Sky Sports about how Gordon has elevated his game to a whole other level this season after a slow start to his career on Tyneside.

Carragher identifies reason for Gordon’s growth at Newcastle

The winger didn’t exactly hit the ground running after his £45m move from Everton in January, but everything’s been moving in an upward direction since the summer.

Gordon won player of the tournament for England’s triumphant Under-21 side in the Euros where he was also able to build his fitness up to a level that Eddie Howe demands.

His development over those few months has proven to be huge as the 22-year-old has played key role for the Magpies, scoring four goals, grabbing two assists and winning two penalties in 10 Premier League appearances.

Carragher discussed on Sky Sports what has impressed him the most with Gordon’s game this season and why he’s improved so much at Newcastle: “Look at the tackles, the possession won, really big. And let’s not forget he’s a winger.

“When you look at the number of pressures, 42, and the sprints, 26, it shows how much work he did off the ball.

“Those numbers shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody. Looking at the table for most sprints in the Premier League he’s way out in front.

“Both the Under-21 tournament in the summer and the arrival of Harvey Barnes has lifted his game.”

Carragher had been stuck between Gordon and Joelinton, who also had a very impressive game, but ultimately decided that it was the young man’s attitude and defensive efforts for Newcastle that impressed him the most.

Gordon is now the main man on Tyneside

Gordon has slowly started to become a key figure at Newcastle and while it is largely due to his very impressive form and incredible work ethic, his availability has also been important to the team.

Alexander Isak, Callum Wilson, Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes have all endured or are enduring spells out of the side due to injuries. The former Everton man has been the one consistent factor in the forward line.

This is what has made him so valuable to the team so far this season, Eddie Howe knows he can depend on him when others have been out.

There’s still a long way to go in this campaign, but the attacker is on course to have a seriously impressive season and deserves to be in the conversation for England’s Euro 2024 squad next summer.