Anthony Gordon made his first La Liga start for Barcelona on Thursday, replacing fellow new signing Karim Adeyemi in the home game against Athletic Bilbao. The former Newcastle United winger impressed again after coming off the bench in his La Liga debut, with several notable moments getting the crowd on their feet.
Within the first 20 minutes, Gordon pulled off a nutmeg on Inaki Williams. He later showed his frustration with team-mate Lamine Yamal after the youngster went it alone instead of passing for what would have been Gordon's first Barcelona goal.
Fans show appreciation
Fans have already taken to the 25-year-old, chanting his name and cheering when he walked over to drink water, with Gordon tapping the club badge in acknowledgement. When he left the field 10 minutes from time, he received a standing ovation from sections of the crowd at Spotify Camp Nou.
There was plenty of praise from the media as well after goals from Raphinha and Fermin saw Barcelona win 2-0.
Spanish press verdicts
Sport gave Gordon a match rating of 7 out of 10 despite no goal or assist. "He did practically everything right - meaning he was just a fraction away from executing every play cleanly," they wrote. "It is only a matter of time before that happens; it is simply a question of rhythm, as he has already grasped his role on the left flank."
AS highlighted the relationship between Gordon and Raphinha, who scored the first goal. "Athletic Bilbao managed to contain Barcelona's attack, which once again relied on the blistering pace of a runaway thoroughbred like Raphinha," they wrote. "Moreover, he has found an ideal partner in Gordon, who speaks his language."
Cope pundit Dani Senabre compared Gordon to Ousmane Dembele. "I'm telling you now, I'm in love with Gordon," Senabre said. "I mean, I'm going to be really persistent, just as persistent as I was with Dembele, I'm going to be with Gordon, because it's only been two games, but I've loved him in both."
More reactions
Mundo Deportivo recognised it wasn't as blistering a display as the one against Elche. "With limited space, he wasn't as incisive as he had been in Elche," they wrote. "He didn't attack down the wing, although he began to show some connection with his new teammates. He left the pitch to a standing ovation."
Marca gave Raphinha most of the plaudits but raised questions over Lamine Yamal. "Gordon tried, but he still needs to gel with his teammates and improve his finishing," they wrote. "Lamine is a different story. The Barcelona star isn't shining as brightly as he usually does for the fans."
