Newcastle United have a major Anthony Gordon problem ahead of Saturday’s game against Everton.
The 24-year-old is available once again after a hip injury, having started Newcastle United’s defeat to Marseille in the Champions League.
Anthony Gordon played up front in Marseille, once again struggling to prove he is capable of operating as a striker.
His position will undoubtedly change on Saturday evening, with Nick Woltemade poised to return to the Newcastle United starting XI.
But what does that mean for Gordon?
Can Newcastle end their horrible away form vs Everton? Give us your predictions in the comments!
Anthony Gordon simply must not replace Harvey Barnes on the left wing for Newcastle United against Everton
In Gordon’s eyes, he will hope to return to his preferred position of left wing. That is where he plays his best football, with the England international’s speed and dribbling ability making him a nightmare for full-backs.
However, the problem is Harvey Barnes. He is enjoying an incredibly rich vein of form, boasting four goals and one assist from his last four games.
Interestingly, all five of his goal contributions have come from the left of attack. He is proving to be much more influential in Gordon’s favourite position, and deserves to retain it against Everton.
For Gordon, that means two things. He either starts on the bench, which will not suit a player who will be desperate to impress against his former club. Alternatively, he is deployed on the right of attack, which is not his preferred side.
Either way, Howe absolutely must keep Barnes on the left. He is simply playing too well out there to be moved to accommodate a player who has not provided a Premier League goal or assist since January.
Where should Anthony Gordon play against Everton?
What Anthony Gordon thinks is his best position
At the start of the season, Gordon spoke about being a striker in the future.
However, he told Gary Neville during an interview in April 2024 that he believes left wing is his best position.
“Most comfortable, yeah [on the left wing],” he said.
“But it probably depends who you ask. A lot of people prefer me in all different places, because they’ve seen me play striker, left, right, 10 – left eight [in the middle] I’ve actually played at some point.
“I played number nine for England at the Euros and I absolutely loved it. But I’d say left probably makes me feel the most comfortable.”
Gordon is most comfortable on the left, but so is Barnes. He is the man in form right now, so deserves to play in his best position.
The post Opinion: Eddie Howe must risk upsetting Anthony Gordon vs Everton with major Newcastle change appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.