Newcastle boss Howe considers 23-year-old star to be one of the best in key aspects

Newcastle's start to the Premier League hadn't been great; however, their recent display against Pep's Manchester City has certainly given much hope to Magpies fans. Going down 1-0 in the first half, Eddie Howe's side returned stronger than before to make it 1-1 soon in the 2nd half, ultimately grabbing an important point from the fixture.

Newcastle boss Howe considers 23-year-old star to be one of the best in key aspects

While the fixture had many positives for the Tyneside club, with several stars returning to their best, Anthony Gordon's return to form felt much more crucial for the club. Not to forget, the 23-year-old, after being displaced by arguably the best Toon star this season, Harvey Barnes, showed improved signs at the forward position against City's strong backline.

As has manager Eddie Howe's preference been, he loves utilizing key players who could transition between one or more roles, and with Gordon now living up to his new role, Howe praised him much for his brilliant display. However, still, the manager still feels that Gordon's utility comes best in his conventional wing role.

Speaking upon the possibility of him utilizing Gordon as a striker in the future, Howe replied,

"“I’d probably still say his best position is as a left winger. But he can and does have the ability to play different roles, number nine being one of them. He can play it very, very well.""

- Eddie Howe

So far, in the youngster's Newcastle career, he has received significant success as a left winger, having enjoyed his breakout 2023/24 season in his conventional role. Understandably, manager Howe looked rather precautionary not to force the forward role too much on him, being careful of his future.

Eddie Howe mentioned his utility in the wing role, mentioning,

"“He has so many great skills as a winger. His ability to play one-on-one and his decision-making in wide areas is as good as there is in the Premier League, in my opinion. We’ve got to be careful before changing that too much.”"

- Eddie Howe

Overall, clearly, although Howe was delighted with Gordon's performance against Manchester City in the forward role, it looks clear he thinks of him best in the winger role. Although currently, the 23-year-old's chances of starting in his preferred left-wing role look difficult, he would certainly be the right-wing starter as soon as star forward Alexander Isak takes charge of the number 9 role, back again.