How Anthony Gordon is the perfect player for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side
Anthony Gordon will become the second most expensive singing in Newcastle United’s history, only behind Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
The Anthony Gordon saga has been one that has divided the Newcastle United fanbase, with many doubting his ability as well as the £45m price tag the club have paid for the youngster.
However since the takeover in 2021, the club’s track record for new signings has been more than impressive, as they have completely revamped the squad from relegation candidates to top four contenders in only one season.
Despite the contrasting views amongst Toon fans, Gordon’s profile suits Eddie Howe’s side perfectly.
This is mainly due to him being versatile, hardworking, homegrown and young, but also experienced for his age.
His initial stats seem somewhat unremarkable, with the Everton academy graduate only returning seven goals and three assists in his 65 Premier League appearances for the club, but Gordon has shown signs of promise.
He has averaged 1.32 shots on target per 90 and a non-penalty xG of 0.27 in the Premier League this season and with some guidance and direction from Howe, his attacking output could certainly be increased.
Gordon’s shooting stats from this current Premier League season.
Gordon will most likely feature at left wing for Newcastle, with Allan Saint Maximin not starting a game since August and despite Joelinton’s brilliant form, he will now most likely be pushed back into the midfield trio where he excelled last season.
Compared to the Newcastle players in his position, Gordon averages more shots on target per 90 and has a higher percentage of shots on target than anyone else.
He is also only second to Miguel Almiron for goals and goals per shot and in a more attacking side, Gordon could certainly thrive with more freedom going forward.
How Gordon’s shooting fairs compared to his new teammates.
The most impressive aspect of Gordon’s game, and the part Howe will like the most, is his defensive side.
The 21 year old’s defensive stats make him the ideal player for this current Newcastle team, as he averages 2.79 tackles and wins 1.81 of these per 90.
He also makes 1.56 blocks per 90 and 0.16 defensive shot creating actions (defensive actions that lead to a shot) per 90, showing his willingness to get stuck in and the benefits leading on from that hard work.
Gordon’s very impressive defensive stats mean he will slot straight into Eddie Howe’s side.
Gordon’s ability and willingness to press makes him a perfect fit for the Newcastle frontline with Howe requiring high levels of pressing and teamwork from his attackers, perhaps part of the reason why Saint Maximin has failed to feature regularly since his injury.
The Frenchman only averages 0.37 tackles per 90 this season, compared to the next lowest which is Joe Willock’s 1.94.
Gordon averages the most tackles per 90 and is only second to Joelinton for tackles won and clearances per 90 this season.
How the Newcastle wingers fair defensively in this Premier League season.
Although Gordon’s stats don’t seem too impressive at first, he certainly has the foundations and after Almiron’s rejuvenation this season, we all know the extent to which players can drastically improve under Eddie Howe.
The addition of Gordon could add the much needed attacking boost to this Newcastle side and it could just be enough to secure a miraculous top four finish come the end of the season.