1 month ago
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Anthony Gordon has praised Barcelona's style of football as superior to what is typically seen in the Premier League, following the Spanish side's impressive early performance in the Champions League. The team secured a 2-1 victory at St James' Park, leaving a lasting impression on the Newcastle winger.
Marcus Rashford netted twice for the Catalans, who are aiming to end a ten-year drought for European success. Last season saw them narrowly miss out on reaching the finals after a strong domestic performance, and Hansi Flick is hoping to push them further this time around.
Barcelona have historically been a team that prioritises possession, and on Thursday, midfielders Pedri and Frenkie de Jong controlled the game. Their ability to retain the ball was something Gordon admits is not often encountered in England - and when it is, it's not at the same level - even referencing Liverpool, who he has been linked with in the past.
Speaking to BeIN Sports, he said: "I think in ways the way they keep the ball was a learning experience.
"We don't play against that kind of style in England, not at that level anyway, I thought they were the best I've played against in that sense of the game. Some of that play in midfield was really top."
When the interviewer noted that it's rare to see a team come to Newcastle and maintain possession throughout injury time as the visitors did, managing the game perfectly, Gordon responded: "No, neither do I.
"We've 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's not easy coming here and doing that.
"We press with intensity, we're very physical but to be fair to them, they did really well."
Barcelona are amongst the frontrunners to claim the Champions League trophy, and their commanding display will have certainly caught the attention of numerous clubs across Europe. Liverpool and Arsenal both kicked off their continental campaigns with victories and are regarded as England's strongest contenders for lifting the prestigious trophy.
Chelsea remain the sole Premier League outfit set to encounter Barcelona during the league stage. It was Marcus Rashford who found the net twice in the triumph over Newcastle, marking a triumphant return to English football.
Both his efforts came with Thomas Tuchel watching from the stands.
Flick commented on his loan signing: "In the offense we have a lot of good players and he's one. I'm happy to have him. He gives us more options to follow the match. It's great to have him.
"These two goals will help a lot to get Marcus to the next step. It's so important he has the confidence and feels OK. These goals are unbelievable for him for the next steps."
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