Anthony Gordon has made a strong start at Barcelona since his £69 million move from Newcastle United in May, with his performances earning him praise from fans and media alike. The 25-year-old winger has been held up as a 'model of integration' for how new signings should behave when joining the Spanish champions.
Gordon's Impact Under Hansi Flick
Gordon's performances have elevated under head coach Hansi Flick, who made signing the England international one of his top priorities in the summer transfer window. According to German Bona, Barcelona reporter at Diario Sport, Gordon was Barcelona's first signing of the summer, brought in at the specific request of Flick.
"The reason is that the German coach requires players who press intensely to implement his style of play - an attacking approach that relies on a very high defensive line," Bona told Chronicle Live.
In his first press conference, Gordon won plaudits both in England and in Spain when he endeared himself to Barcelona supporters by answering questions in both Spanish and Catalan. Supporters and media who cover the club have appreciated his efforts to ingratiate himself in Catalan culture.
Fan Affection and Banners
Such is the affection he is held in, banners have been held up in the Camp Nou depicting him in a vintage Barça shirt and sunglasses, clutching on to the Ballon d'Or trophy, accompanied by the slogan "Antoni Gros és Català" – Fat Tony is Catalan.
"Gordon has become a player very well-liked by the fans, largely because he has been a model of integration from day one - even going so far as to speak a few words in Catalan, for instance, when addressing the club's official media outlets," Bona added.
"Some fans have even brought banners to the Camp Nou that read 'Toni Gros és català.' 'Toni' is a diminutive of 'Antoni' (Anthony in English), while 'Gros' is a play on words: the Spanish word for 'fat' is 'gordo', and the Catalan equivalent is 'gros'."
On-Pitch Performance
Gordon has impressed on the pitch too, bagging three goals and five assists across 15 appearances in all competitions and establishing himself as part of a formidable Barcelona front three that also includes Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. His selfless running and work off the ball has made him a vital cog in Flick's wheel.
"He has had a good start, but it cannot be described as fantastic," Bona concluded. "He himself acknowledged in recent remarks that he needs to take a more prominent role and be more willing to shoot."
In a press conference, Flick was asked about this. His response: "He contributes a great deal when on the ball. He holds on to it, maintains possession, and doesn't make easy mistakes; in the final third, he could perhaps be a bit more selfish in one-on-one situations. But he has been very good in the last few matches - he has raised his level, and I'm happy with that."
Gordon is expected to start for England this evening as he bids to win his 29th cap in their UEFA Nations League clash against Croatia at Wembley Stadium, looking to maintain his record of scoring or assisting in each of his last seven Three Lions matches.
