Anthony Gordon left the 2022-23 Premier League season with plenty of the Toon Army concerned about his play and future with the club.
However, with the England under-21 national team, Gordon exploded and became a key catalyst in why they succeeded in taking home the Euro U-21 Championship just a week ago.
At the tournament, he was noticed by just about everyone as he played remarkably, putting together a two-goal and one-assist stat line through six outings.
Opposing teams were unable to guard him as he moved his way past defenses and midfield alike, helping to facilitate and playmaker for the England national team, something the Magpies were looking to see from him after bringing him in during the January transfer window.
In the championship against Spain, he shined as a left winger.
Head Coach Lee Carsley opted to play with the strengths of Gordon and give him help on his needed weaknesses, which in turn helped him to play up to his potential.
His potential was met as he was awarded the Player of the Tournament by Uefa as he helped bring England its first U-21 championship in 39 years.
“I feel I have had a good tournament, but me with the individual trophy is down to my teammates and the staff,” he said. “The squad is really unselfish.”
His success on the pitch is important as he looks to bounce back from a flawed 2022-23 campaign.
For Newcastle, he finished the season scoring just one goal through 16 outings and 487 minutes. Due to the sheer amount of money the Magpies spent on him, it was crucial that this offseason was a turning point.
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With his potential finally being met on a big stage like the U-21 championship, the sights for him are now set in the Champions League where the Magpies will compete in the coming season.
Now that he has had experience playing under the spotlight, returning to St. James Park and getting back to work should not be an issue.
However, it is always important to note that Newcastle’s Manager Eddie Howe will have to adjust certain systems around Gordon if he truly wants to find a rhythm for the squad.