Anthony Gordon: How Barcelona's England winger hit the ground running

Anthony Gordon's £70m move to Barcelona was met with some skepticism, but the England winger is already proving his worth to the Spanish giants. Although the 25-year-old is still searching for his first goal, he has made an immediate impact, providing four assists in his first five matches.

Gordon became only the second English player to join Barcelona on a permanent deal since Gary Lineker in 1986. His arrival was driven by manager Hansi Flick, who identified Gordon's pace and aggressive pressing as the perfect fit for his tactical setup. Barcelona sporting director Deco noted that Gordon’s style aligns more closely with the club's vision than other previous options.

Beyond the pitch, Gordon has earned the fans' admiration through his commitment to integration. He learned Spanish with the help of a former Newcastle physiotherapist and has even spoken phrases in Catalan. In his debut against Elche, Gordon prioritized a teammate, setting up Fermin Lopez rather than seeking personal glory, a move that resonated well with the supporters.

Hansi Flick's team has been in rampant form, scoring 22 goals in their first five games. Gordon’s ability to stretch defenses and combine with stars like Lamine Yamal has added a new dimension to their attack. While maintaining this consistency throughout a full season remains the next challenge, the conversation around the winger has shifted from whether he belongs at the club to just how vital he could become.