Lately, Newcastle United’s recruitment has advised a transparent story – certainly one of vast gamers redefining the membership’s attacking id.
From the chaotic ultimate days of the Mike Ashley period to Eddie Howe’s meticulous rebuild, the evolution of Newcastle’s wing play mirrors their rise from relegation favourites to European competition.
As soon as reliant on remoted flashes of brilliance from gamers like Allan Saint-Maximin, the trendy Newcastle has prioritised construction, urgent, and precision.
The arrivals of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and most not too long ago Anthony Elanga have reworked the workforce’s risk on the flanks.
Every signing displays a calculated steadiness: confirmed Premier League pedigree complemented by a willingness to nurture elite younger prospects.
Howe’s wingers are now not luxurious gamers – they’re the engine of the workforce.
Their urgent triggers Newcastle’s high-intensity recreation, their runs dictate tempo, and their final-third output defines the facet’s ceiling.
It’s no coincidence that when Gordon and Barnes hit type, Newcastle’s outcomes typically comply with.
And whereas accidents have at instances disrupted rhythm, the depth and high quality of the Magpies’ wing choices have arguably by no means been stronger.
Why Gordon is so essential to Newcastle
Gordon has turn out to be the embodiment of Howe’s footballing philosophy – industrious, fearless, and ruthlessly environment friendly.
Since arriving from Everton in 2023 for round £45m, the 24-year-old has advanced from a uncooked, energetic prospect into one of many Premier League’s most full vast gamers.
Gordon’s recreation thrives on depth.
His urgent metrics are among the many finest in Newcastle’s squad, and his means to mix tireless defensive work with a direct attacking output has made him indispensable.
Final season, he registered 9 targets and 7 assists throughout all competitions – numbers that underline his evolution from a counterattacking winger right into a high-volume probability creator.
Anthony Gordon – 2024/25 | |
|---|---|
Matches Performed | 38 |
Minutes | 2,703 |
Photographs | 69 |
Progressive Carries | 129 |
Progressive Passes | 105 |
Supply: FBref | |
Statistically, he ranks within the high 10% of Premier League wingers for profitable dribbles and progressive carries, whereas his xG involvement continues to rise every season.
Extra importantly, Gordon delivers within the greatest moments. Because the begin of the 2023/24 season, Gordon has 17 targets and assists in 19 video games in opposition to the Massive Six.
Whereas Saint-Maximin as soon as dazzled with out construction, Gordon combines aptitude with objective.
He tracks again, presses intelligently, and executes Howe’s transitions with precision.
His chemistry with Lewis Corridor on the left flank has been certainly one of Newcastle’s most constant attacking retailers – a sample of overlaps, cut-backs, and diagonal switches that stretch even probably the most disciplined defences.
Even with competitors from Barnes, Gordon stays the benchmark.
His relentless power has set the tone for Newcastle’s urgent id and his versatility provides Howe invaluable tactical flexibility.
For a membership with a protracted and complicated relationship with wingers, Gordon feels just like the fruits of a decade of looking out.
He’s not only a participant who excites – he’s one who defines the workforce’s id. However may Howe and co have one other comparable thrilling expertise?
Newcastle star seems to be “like Gordon” out on mortgage
Whereas Gordon and Elanga headline Newcastle’s current, Antonio Cordero represents their future.
The 18-year-old Spaniard, signed from Málaga in the summertime, is broadly seen inside the membership as one of many brightest younger attacking prospects in Europe.
Cordero’s path to St James’ Park displays Newcastle’s rising ambition in youth recruitment.
He turned down curiosity from Actual Madrid and Barcelona to hitch Howe’s venture, signing a five-year deal in 2025.
Earlier than his transfer, he made 60 appearances for Málaga, scoring seven targets and offering eight assists — together with a dramatic last-minute equaliser within the Segunda División play-off ultimate that sealed the membership’s promotion.
Now on mortgage at KVC Westerlo in Belgium’s high division, Cordero has featured 5 instances this season, albeit for simply 81 minutes – a priority Newcastle’s improvement workers will monitor intently.
The precedence stays clear: common senior minutes to speed up his transition from prodigy to skilled. Cordero’s model mirrors that of Gordon – quick, direct, and relentlessly constructive on the ball.
Capable of play on both flank however preferring the left, he combines low-centre steadiness with clever off-ball motion.
That repute is backed up by 17 youth caps and 4 worldwide targets since debuting for Spain’s U19s in opposition to Germany in 2024.
Former Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell referred to as him an “thrilling expertise,” whereas analyst Ben Mattinson described him as “like Gordon.”
If nurtured appropriately, Cordero may provide Howe the identical dynamism Gordon brings, however with an added layer of creativity and unpredictability – an attacking wildcard Newcastle have typically lacked in opposition to low blocks.
His arrival continues a transparent sample.
Alongside Elanga, and Barnes, Cordero embodies Newcastle’s twin strategy: constructing a squad able to rapid success whereas investing in gamers who can outline the following decade.
From the unpredictable brilliance of Saint-Maximin to the refined relentlessness of Gordon, Newcastle’s wingers inform the story of a membership reborn.
