Anthony Gordon has been tipped to become Barcelona's new No.9, and the former Newcastle United winger backs himself to fill that role. The 25-year-old joined the Catalan giants in a £69million deal from the Magpies earlier this summer.
Barcelona debut and registration
There were concerns that Gordon would not be registered in time to make his competitive debut for Hansi Flick's side against Elche on Sunday evening. However, Barcelona were able to complete his registration and that of fellow new signings Rodri, Karim Adeyemi and Joao Cancelo a day before the game.
Gordon registered two assists in Barcelona's 5-0 victory. One gaping hole in the squad, though, is the absence of a No.9, with Robert Lewandowski having left to join MLS side Chicago Fire this summer.
Playing as a striker
Gordon was regularly deployed as a striker by former Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe during his final season at the Magpies due to a combination of Nick Woltemade's lack of effectiveness and Yoane Wissa's injury issues.
Asked by ESPN whether he could fill the No.9 position, he said: "Yeah of course, I played there last year a lot. I played really well I thought. I have got different strengths to a typical No. 9. I can come and go and link play. I can do it. I like to play there."
Team decision
The forward was in good position to shoot and score for his second assist, but instead opted to set up Fermin Lopez to his right, with the pair combining in a two-versus-one against Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro.
He added: "I think it's the right decision. If Fermín [López] had the ball and I was in his position I would want him to pass, I think it's the correct football decision. We're a team, it's not about me scoring."
Gordon's next chance to impress - and potentially play as a No.9 - will come on Thursday night at home to Athletic Bilbao (8pm UK time).
