Graeme Souness has delivered a scathing assessment of Anthony Gordon's performances for England at the World Cup, claiming Barcelona will be 'wondering what they've bought' after the winger's underwhelming displays. The former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder wrote in the Telegraph that Gordon has been playing too safe, a style that will not be tolerated at the Nou Camp.
Gordon's £70m Barcelona move under scrutiny
Gordon completed a blockbuster £70million move from Newcastle to Barcelona just before the World Cup, becoming part of a growing number of top English players plying their trade abroad. However, his performances in England's opening group games have raised concerns. In midweek, he was part of an England attack that failed to break down Ghana's low block, drawing criticism for the team's forward players.
Souness wrote: 'It is absolutely fair to say they will have watched their new £70m winger Anthony Gordon in England’s opening group games and wondered what they have bought. If Gordon turns up in Barcelona and plays as conservatively as he did against Croatia and Ghana then he will not be staying in Catalonia for too long.'
Comparison to Lamine Yamal
Souness highlighted that Gordon will be compared to Barcelona's talisman Lamine Yamal, who set a high standard for wingers at the club. 'Lamine Yamal is the template for a Barcelona winger,' Souness said. 'We all saw what he did against Saudi Arabia in their second game, taking his men on and attacking the back post to get himself a goal. You are kidding yourself if you don’t think everyone around Barcelona, from fans to the media to the players, isn’t watching and saying: "If Yamal is doing that, what is Gordon doing?"'
Gordon's best goalscoring season
Gordon enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his career last term, netting 17 goals for Newcastle, which prompted Barcelona to make their move. Despite that form, his World Cup performances have not matched expectations. England boss Thomas Tuchel acknowledged that the left-side unit, including Gordon, had not produced as hoped. 'We had a very good match against Costa Rica with Anthony and the unit, it's more a unit on the left side than it is individuals or “the winger didn't do enough.” The unit on the left side hasn't provided the same quality as they did against Costa Rica,' Tuchel said.
Pressure at Barcelona
Souness warned that playing at Barcelona comes with immense pressure, especially given the club's high standards for wingers. Gordon will need to adapt quickly to avoid being deemed a misfit. The criticism comes as England continue their World Cup campaign, with Gordon expected to play a key role in the knockout stages.
