Barcelona fans can breath a sigh of relief.
We really shouldn’t be judging players based on a small sample size anyways, but when you pay big money for a new signing, hopes and expectations will be raised as the incoming Barcelona player learns the reality of living life in Catalonian spotlight.
It’s important to be fair and understand who Anthony Gordon is, and who he isn’t. Hansi Flick didn’t hand pick him because he was a golden boot type of player. The English international was chosen because he is a match
for the German manager’s high intensity system.
Barcelona didn’t sign their next Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappe. Best case scenario, Gordon is their next Raphinha, and that’s an exciting proposition.
Perhaps Thomas Tuchel did him a favor by dropping him to the bench in place of Marcus Rashford, even if the move almost backfired for England.
When Gordon came on in the 60th minute, his team was trailing by a goal, and the industrious winger went to work. He knew he didn’t have to be the guy to score the goals, after all, Harry Kane was on the field.
What was needed was calm and patience, knowing that when the window of opportunity presented itself, he would be ready to take it.
England looked like a better team right away with Gordon on the field. What’s special about him is that he is a team player who just wants to win.
He entered the pitch and got busy right away, chasing balls down, and being direct and dangerous when on the attack.
In the end, it was a simple cross into the box that tied the game as Harry Kane did what he does best when given service, and then another clever pass to the center forward that emphatically sent England on to the Round of 16.
Barcelona fans should be encouraged by what they saw. Anthony Gordon is exactly as advertised. He’s the player that Hansi Flick wanted for a reason.
All new players deserve grace and time as they adapt to a new club.
Gordon’s World Cup is just getting started now, and after that, he’ll be raring to go to make an impact for Barcelona too.
