what Newcastle players really think of world-class star ahead of Everton return

Newcastle United’s squad stance on Anthony Gordon emerges from behind the scenes ahead of Everton’s return

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has shared what Newcastle players really think of former Everton winger Anthony Gordon.

The 22-year-old joined the Magpies from the Toffees in the January transfer window after a brief but impressive spell in the first team at Goodison Park.

Gordon is now returning to his former club as his Newcastle side travel to Merseyside to take on Everton on Thursday (27 April).

“Having left Everton in unsavory fashion – behavior perceived selfish and petulant – and abandoning them in a relegation battle (even though the club was keen to raise funds to comply with Financial Fair Play rules in January) it was not the sort of behavior likely to endear you to anyone,” Edwards wrote for The Telegraph.

“However, Telegraph Sport understands that Gordon is already a popular member of the Newcastle squad – the fans like him too, regularly singing his name when he comes on – and has taken the transfer in his stride on a personal level.

“Coaching staff have insisted he works hard in training, listens, and wants to learn. Although not short on self-confidence, Gordon has given the impression he knows he has lots to improve and wants people to help him develop. He is lively, bubbly, and extroverted, but Newcastle knew that when they signed him. It was one of the reasons they felt he would be a good fit.”

Time to step up

Gordon has shown brief glimpses of the quality that led to Newcastle breaking the bank to bring him to St James’ Park, running at defenders and linking up with his teammates well in the final third.

But despite his attacking role, the winger has yet to score or assist in any of his nine Newcastle matches so far.

Admittedly, the majority of his appearances have come from the bench, but he will definitely want to help out in either regard in the club’s remaining matches.

And he should be doing that with relative ease, given just how lethal Newcastle has been in front of goal this season.

It is an issue that many Magpies fans may have feared, with Gordon only positing totals of seven goals and eight assists from his 78 Everton matches.

Those tallies will need to improve rapidly if he is to succeed at St James’ Park, but he is still young and looks certain to get better as the years go on.