AFCON 2025
Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon has admitted that he has never played a team with a style quite like Barcelona’s, stating that the Spanish champions operate on a level above even the Premier League’s top sides.
Gordon made the confession following Newcastle United’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday night. On-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford scored twice to secure all three points for Barcelona, with Gordon scoring Newcastle’s lone goal in the 90th minute.
Gordon told BeIN Sports that the match was a significant learning experience due to Barcelona’s unique style. “I think the way they keep the ball was a learning experience. We do not play against that kind of style in England, not at that level anyway,” he said.
He went on to praise Barcelona’s fluid passing and movement, which he found superior to anything he has faced in the Premier League.
“We have played against some top teams, City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, but the way they pass the ball, the midfielders, the way they were fluid in their movement and combining, made it really hard for us to press, and it is not easy coming here and doing that.”
Gordon concluded by acknowledging Barcelona’s performance. “We press with intensity, we are very physical, but to be fair to them, they did really well.”
