Anthony Gordon
A relentless, high-energy left winger who presses, runs in behind and creates — now Barcelona's €80m signing from Newcastle.
Playing Style Summary
Gordon is an intense, quick left winger who combines constant pressing with direct running in behind. At Newcastle he played on the left and at times through the middle, and in 2025-26 he scored 10 Champions League goals, including four against Qarabağ. Barcelona signed him in May 2026 for a reported €80 million on a contract to 2031. He started at Barcelona with an assist in each of his first four LaLiga appearances, and at the 2026 World Cup he set up both of Harry Kane's goals against DR Congo and scored England's goal in the semi-final defeat by Argentina.
Defining Traits
Relentless Pressing
Gordon's work rate without the ball is one of his defining features: he presses centre-backs and full-backs aggressively and forces errors high up the pitch.
Runs in Behind
He attacks the space between full-back and centre-back with diagonal runs, offering depth to his team.
Creative Final Ball
Whether crossing low from the left or slipping a pass into a runner, he creates chances regularly — an area he improved markedly at Barcelona.
Front-Line Flexibility
Comfortable on the left wing and as a mobile central forward, which gives his coach tactical options.
Strengths
- Pressing intensity and stamina
- Pace in behind and in transition
- Creating chances from the left with cut-backs and through balls
- Ability to play wide or through the middle
- Big-game goal threat in European competition
Limitations
- Finishing can be inconsistent in spells
- Not a natural target man when used as a central striker
- His intensity can sometimes lead to rushed decisions on the ball
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“England's tournament goalkeeper — explosive reflexes, aggressive starting positions and a long, flat left foot that turns saves into attacks.”
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“A big-game goalkeeper who won Crystal Palace an FA Cup, a Community Shield and a Conference League — commanding, vocal and lethal on penalties.”
James Trafford
“The record-breaking young goalkeeper — athletic, composed with the ball and now the most expensive English keeper ever after his move to Leeds.”
Reece James
“Chelsea's captain — a powerful, technically complete right-back who can invert into midfield and strike a dead ball as well as anyone in England.”
Trevoh Chalobah
“A tall, versatile centre-back with a midfielder's comfort on the ball — now leading Como's defence in Serie A and the Champions League.”
Marc Guéhi
“England's composed defensive leader — positionally sharp, calm on the ball and an FA Cup-winning captain now at the heart of Manchester City.”
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