Anthony Gordon gives Barcelona a new attacking spark under Hansi Flick

Anthony Gordon has quickly begun to establish himself at Barcelona after making his first start for the club against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, providing an early indication of why manager Hansi Flick was so determined to sign the England winger.

Gordon played for 80 minutes at Spotify Camp Nou before being replaced by Karim Adeyemi. Although he did not make the most obvious contribution in terms of goals or assists, his performance reflected the qualities Flick values most: relentless running, aggressive pressing, explosive pace and quick decision-making in the final third.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Flick played a key role in completing the transfer. The German coach reportedly viewed Gordon as an ideal fit for his system a player prepared to work continuously, capable of producing repeated bursts of speed and able to make effective choices in advanced areas of the pitch.

Barcelona had been affected last season by the repeated absence of Raphinha, whose pressing and attacking threat had become important components of the team’s approach. Flick therefore wanted another player who could restore that intensity, and Gordon was considered the closest match to the profile he was seeking.

Against Athletic Bilbao, the England international showed that his influence is unlikely to depend solely on headline statistics. His contribution came through his work without the ball, his willingness to press defenders and his disciplined movement within Barcelona’s structure.

He completed three ball recoveries, won five of his nine duels, attempted two shots and completed all three dribbles he tried. The figures underlined a performance that was both physically demanding and tactically thorough.

Gordon is not expected to pursue the spotlight in the same way as Lamine Yamal. Instead, his route to winning over Barcelona supporters is likely to be built on effort, efficiency and a willingness to follow Flick’s instructions.

A return to Flick’s old identity

Fermin Suarez, an analyst for Movistar and Cadena SER, believes Gordon’s presence alongside Raphinha and Fermin Suarez has helped bring back some of the energy Barcelona showed at the beginning of the 2024-25 season.

He said the side were now playing at a quicker tempo, with greater clarity in possession, more depth and a stronger presence in attacking areas.

Suarez was particularly impressed by Gordon’s display, describing it as “a stunning display”. He highlighted the winger’s energy, capacity to repeat high-intensity efforts and ability to make fast decisions, while also praising his pressing, ball recovery, distribution and determination to maintain the same level of performance throughout the match.

Gordon’s approach away from matchday also appears to fit the demands of his new environment. The 25-year-old is understood to take a highly professional approach to his career, paying close attention to his physical condition and the care of his body.

That focus has drawn comparisons with Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, although Gordon is still at a considerably earlier stage of his career. His first start suggests Flick may have found the hard-working, tactically reliable wide player he wanted to complement Barcelona’s more naturally eye-catching attackers.