Anthony Gordon is yet to burst into life as a Newcastle United player, but Warren Barton is excited about what the future holds for the Janaury signing.
The former Newcastle defender has spoke about Gordon‘s potential, and believes he has all the tools to become a wonderful addition on Tyneside.
Gordon arrived in January from Everton, costing a huge sum of £45million. It looked like a lot of money at the time, and we are yet to see him justify the price tag.
But the 22-year-old was signed because of his potential, and he has all the makings of a top quality player. Eddie Howe will hope that he becomes that in a Toon shirt, and Barton has seen multiple reasons to be confident about the Scouser achieving his potential on Tyneside.
Warren Barton already ‘impressed’ with Anthony Gordon
Barton has spoke to the Chronicle about Gordon, and explained why he has been impressed with the youngster already.
“I was so impressed by his honesty when he gave the interview to NUFC TV,” he said.
“Don’t forget, he left a club in a lot of turmoil and was getting a lot of criticism for how he handled his move.
“He’s come into a team which is fit, strong, athletic, his fitness levels weren’t there. He’s had to show character, it can be lonely as a player if you don’t get into the first-team as you thought, you have to earn the right.
“But Eddie has never lost faith in him, and I think that’s one of the things people don’t understand with Eddie. His man-management skills have been excellent. He’s probably said to Gordon you’re not ready yet, you might get injured, you might have a setback and you’re out even longer then and people start saying it’s a waste of money.
“But to get the goal will give him self-belief. He said it himself he’s got a busy summer, he’s going to train, he’s going to work hard. If that kid screws his head on and focuses on being a football player, he’s at a great club who will look after him. If he looks at the lights and anything else, then this train will keep moving and he’ll get off at the next stop.
“It’s great he’s got that maturity, and I’m sure he’s got some players putting their arms around him saying you’ve got the talent and the potential, now fulfil it. I think he’s going to be a very good asset to the club going forward, because he’s got the gift of being quick.”
Sky is the limit at Newcastle
In the interview that Barton mentions, Gordon admitted that last season was very difficult for him, both at Everton and Newcastle. He immediately realised that he needed to raise his levels at his new club, and was playing catch-up with the rest of his teammates.
But it sounds like Gordon is willing to put the hard work in, and he is currently thriving on the international stage with England’s Under-21s.
You need to have the right mentality to thrive under Howe, and Barton believes Gordon has got it. Combine that with his already scintillating pace and he has the platform to seriously kick on under a manager like Howe, who has already proven on Tyneside just how good he is at improving players.
The expectation is that Gordon will develop into a key player next season, and hopefully that proves to be the case. We have seen glimpses of his extreme talent, but there is clearly so much more to come. And Barton expects to see it at St James’ Park.
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