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Anthony Gordon tipped for new role by ex-Liverpool star that may appeal to Arne Slot

-Credit: (Image: 2024 Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: 2024 Getty Images)


Anthony Gordon has been tipped to thrive as a striker after he impressed through the middle during Newcastle's draw with Manchester City over the weekend.

Gordon started at the tip of Newcastle's attack in the absence of Alexander Isak, and both won and scored the Magpies' equalising penalty at St James' Park.

The 22-year-old brought bundles of energy to Newcastle's front line, and he was praised by two former England internationals for his all-action display.

"I’ve been really impressed with him in this position and I think he gives you an option," Ex-Liverpool player Joe Cole told TNT Sports. "I think from an outside looking at England I think that’s a food for thought for the manager because playing him there, the pressing was exceptional as good as a pressing performance I’ve seen from a No 9 I’ve seen in a long time.

"There’s not many that buy into it as much as he does and that set the tone. Newcastle were brilliant behind the ball, all of them, but. He was so important for them."

Joleon Lescott, who has coached Gordon with England's Under-21s, added: "In terms of involvement, you probably get more involvement from Anthony on the left side. He's a winger that loves one vs ones but having worked with him for years now especially in the U-21s, he played as a No9 for us in the tournament (the Under-21 Euros last year).

"He was player of the tournament as a No 9. He’s someone who want to run in behind. I’ve never met someone that’s so enthusiastic about working as hard off the ball as he is in possession and you can see every actions there’s 100 per cent effort.'

Anthony Gordon shone through the middle for Newcastle United against Manchester City
Anthony Gordon shone through the middle for Newcastle United against Manchester City -Credit:GETTY

Liverpool was interested in signing the winger during the summer transfer window, with the Magpies initially seemingly open to selling the former Everton man as they aimed to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.

However, in the end, Newcastle ended up selling other players in order to resolve its PSR issues, bringing in significant fees for Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh from Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively, and those deals ended up facilitating Gordon staying at Newcastle.

Gordon is close to signing a contract extension at Newcastle, but given he is a boyhood Liverpool fan, the prospect of him one day moving to Merseyside cannot be ruled out, and he could be a great option through the middle for the Reds.

Arne Slot has primarily used Diogo Jota as a striker this season, while Darwin Nunez has also been handed some minutes through the middle.