Anthony Gordon is yet to play his best football for Newcastle United this season.
The 23-year-old has been out of sorts in black and white, with Anthony Gordon struggling to hit top form.
At this stage last season, Gordon had played in 12 of Newcastle United’s 13 Premier League games, scoring five goals and providing three assists. This season he has played 12 of Newcastle’s 13 Premier League games, but only has two goals and one assist.
Gordon’s new Newcastle contract did not inspire an uplift in performances, while the winger is continuously changing position.
Eddie Howe knows Gordon wants to play on the left, but he must do what is best for the team. That is resulting in Gordon operating on the right or as a striker.
Why Newcastle think Anthony Gordon has struggled
Whether the alternating roles is impacting Gordon remains to be seen, but there is a reason why Newcastle United think their number 10 has been unable to play to the best of his ability.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that Newcastle believe internally that Gordon’s England exploits are a reason why he has been inconsistent at club level.
The report states that Newcastle feel Gordon has been starting to get back to his best, only to go on international duty and represent England in the Nations League.
There have been three international breaks this season, with Gordon involved in all of them.
Why Newcastle can hope for Anthony Gordon improvement
Gordon playing for England has disrupted his rhythm for Newcastle United, both on the pitch and in training.
It has resulted in some disjointed performances, much to the Magpies’ frustration. But that is all it is – Newcastle are obviously not against Gordon representing his country. If anything, it is a testament to his ability and the work they have done with him.
But while Gordon has struggled for consistency, that will hopefully soon change. That is because there is not another international break until March.
Therefore, Gordon can fully focus on playing for Newcastle United. And there will be added motivation to play well, as the next England squad will be chosen by Thomas Tuchel rather than Lee Carsley.
Gordon will know he needs to improve at club level to guarantee a place in that squad, and that will hopefully lead to an upturn in performances.
In an ideal world, that starts tonight against Liverpool.
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