Anthony Gordon’s England scoring run boosts Barcelona ahead of crucial fixtures

Anthony Gordon’s prolific run for England has given Barcelona encouragement as the club’s season enters a demanding phase, despite the winger still waiting for his first goal since joining the Catalan side.

Gordon scored in three successive matches during the latest international break, extending his run to four consecutive internationals with a goal when his strike in England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina is included.

The 25-year-old’s form will be welcomed by Barcelona coach Hansi Flick before a packed spell that includes El Clasico and a Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain. The club’s immediate priority is Saturday’s La Liga fixture against Getafe at Spotify Camp Nou.

Gordon moved to Barcelona from Newcastle United and has made a positive contribution in his opening 10 appearances for club and country. He has supplied four assists, while his combined total of three goals and five assists represents the strongest start to a season in his career.

His previous best came during 2023/24, when he recorded two goals and two assists in his first 10 matches.

The winger believes his broader qualities are being recognised more clearly in Spain than they were in England.

“In England, people respected me because I was fast and I pressed, but they never actually respected the quality and IQ that I play with,” Gordon told ITV Sport.

“Now that I’m playing at Barcelona, those qualities are highlighted much more.”

Gordon has also praised the players around him at Barcelona, singling out midfielder Pedri for his ability to read the game and identify movement.

“I’ve made so many off-the-ball runs throughout my career that no one saw, but now I have Pedri who sees absolutely everything,” he said.

That relationship could prove valuable as Flick manages competition for places in Barcelona’s attack. With Raphinha operating centrally, Gordon and Karim Adeyemi have challenged for a position on the wing.

Adeyemi has scored more goals, but Gordon provides a different option through his pressing, movement and ability to combine with teammates. His four assists demonstrate the impact he has already made, even though he has not yet found the net for Barcelona.

The former Newcastle United player has also been adapting to life in Catalonia. Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo have helped him settle into his new surroundings, while Gordon has said he understands some Spanish and is making an effort to learn Catalan.

Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures will test the squad’s depth and balance, with domestic and European commitments arriving in quick succession. Gordon’s continued involvement, and the end product he has shown for England, could be particularly important as Flick’s side enters that run.