Why Eddie Howe warned Anthony Gordon when he joined Newcastle

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Anthony Gordon is finally starting to click as a Newcastle United player after a tough start to life on Tyneside.

The 22-year-old struggled to make an impression during his first half a season, with outsiders questioning why Newcastle spent so much money on him.

But the £45million man now looks ready to burst into life after shining at the Under-21 Euros and starting Newcastle’s pre-season in fine form.

Eddie Howe is expecting big things from Gordon, as he prepares for his first full season as a Toon player. The winger looks to be perfectly settled at St James’ Park, as he truly gets to grips with what Howe wants from his players.

It has taken some time for that to happen, but Gordon was warned that it would not be easy.

Eddie Howe ‘did warn’ Anthony Gordon

Gordon has spoke to the Daily Mail and discussed how detailed Howe’s tactics are.

“The manager’s tactical detail is so impressive,” he said.

“And there is so much of it compared to what I was used to before. He did warn me it would take a while (to understand), and the other players warned me too.

“This pre-season can only help. There are a lot of meetings, visualising stuff. I’m already feeling more confident in the detail and information the manager has passed onto me. I’m picking up more on the style of play every game.”

Newcastle set to reap the benefits

It is interesting to hear Gordon note that Howe is more detailed than any other manager he has worked with. It is even more interesting when you remember he played under Rafa Benitez at Everton.

Howe warned Gordon that it would take him time to understand, and that has proven to be the case. He showed flashes of brilliance last season, but struggled to produce a consistent overall performance.

But now Gordon is starting to get it, proving just how coachable he is. That is a big reason why he was brought to Newcastle. For all of his talent, he had scope to get better with the right guidance.

He has got that from Howe, and now Gordon looks ready to prove his worth in a Newcastle shirt.

With the number 10 on his back, this will hopefully be a breakout year for Gordon. He has looked promising in pre-season, hinting that he can fill the creative void that Allan Saint-Maximin is set to leave behind.