It is almost time for Anthony Gordon’s one year anniversary at Newcastle United, and he is completely different to what he was 12 months ago.
With the Magpies looking to qualify for the Champions League, they pushed to sign Anthony Gordon from Everton. It was far from a harmonious exit from Goodison Park, but Newcastle got their man for £45million.
Eddie Howe’s side did go on to qualify for the Champions League, but that was not largely down to Gordon. He struggled at first, unable to really make an impression in black and white stripes.
There were moments of brilliance, but he was largely underwhelming. And that altercation with Howe at Brentford certainly did not help things.
But Gordon was always billed as a player for the future, and we are seeing that now. The 22-year-old has been one of Newcastle’s best players this season, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists.
He has had to work tremendously hard over the past 12 months, and now Gordon has shared what surprised him most when he arrived on Tyneside.
Anthony Gordon was ‘really surprised’ when he arrived at Newcastle United
Gordon has been speaking to Rio Ferdinand for TNT Sports, and the former Manchester United defender asked him what has impressed him about Newcastle United since joining the club.
“The standards here from day one from the manager really surprised me,” he said.
“From when I first joined, it took me a while to adapt to those standards. But through being around the players and everything that was going on, I’ve got better and better.”
Gordon continues to improve at Newcastle
Playing for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United is not easy. The standards are extremely high, and that is why they have been so successful – and the goal is to become even more successful by winning trophies.
Players have to fully buy in to what Howe is doing, and it can take time for some signings to adapt. Not everyone has an immediate impact – although we did think we had struck gold after Sandro Tonali’s Toon debut!
For Gordon, it has been a process. The level he has gone to this season has been amazing. Big things were expected, yet he has still managed to go above and beyond.
It took Gordon time, but it has been worth it. He has improved so much, showing a willingness to learn and enhance his game. That is what Howe is all about at Newcastle, and Gordon is reaping the words.
And the most exciting thing is that there is even more to come.
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