It’s fantastic to prove critics wrong, and Micah Richards believes one Newcastle United player has done just that.
The Magpies have had a difficult season, but there has been enough to rejoice. We have been good offensively, scoring numerous goals. Newcastle United has scored 74 Premier League goals, trailing only Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
A lot of Newcastle’s goals have come from Alexander Isak, who is currently on fire. He scored two more on Saturday against Sheffield United, bringing his total in all competitions to 23. This is the best season of his career.
Given how brilliantly he is currently performing, many will argue that he should be Newcastle United’s player of the season. However, there is one individual who clearly deserves it more than the amazing Swede.
23-year-old Newcastle star is our player of the season
If you asked me right now who should be Newcastle United’s player of the season, I would say Anthony Gordon.
The 23-year-old has been the Magpies’ most important player throughout the season and has not missed a single game due to injury. He has always been available, and he has always made a difference.
Gordon has had a breakthrough year, despite his slow start following his £45 million move from Everton in January 2023.
It has taken him a bit of time to prove why Newcastle United wanted to spend so much money on him, and it is also now clear why Chelsea frantically wished to sign him six months sooner than the Magpies.
Chelsea wanted to buy Anthony Gordon in the summer of 2022
Gordon emerged as a Newcastle target in the summer of 2022, but Chelsea appeared to be his preferred destination.
There were even reports that the Blues were willing to spend £60 million for the youngster, which sounded outrageous at the time.
Chelsea’s consideration of paying that much for him seemed ludicrous, but he is now worth that and more.
Micah Richards blown away by how much Gordon has improved
That is a testament to how well he has done since joining Newcastle United, and Micah Richards has reflected on his journey alongside Alan Shearer on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.
Richards: “How good is Gordon, though, Alan? Seriously.”
Shearer: “Yeah, brilliant.”
Richards: “Remember when he was linked to Chelsea before he went to Newcastle and everyone was laughing at him. And now, he is so consistent it’s ridiculous. Whether he is getting assists from crosses, whether he is taking on his man, whether he is defending for the team, and I know you put him in your England team moving forward for the Euros, but honestly, I wouldn’t disagree with you now. He can do absolutely everything. The improvement since the 21s when they won it, was it last summer, has just been enormous. What a player he has turned out to be!”
Gordon has proved people wrong since joining Newcastle
As Richards notes, many people chuckled when Gordon was so highly prized. There were even serious concerns when he relocated to St James’ Park.
However, the Magpies were purchasing potential, which Gordon is now realising under Eddie Howe. The Newcastle manager has elevated Gordon’s game to new heights, and he has been one of the greatest players in the Premier League this season.
Gordon’s statistics reflect this, as he has 10 goals and nine assists.
He is suddenly more brutal and impactful, and his work ethic is unwavering. When you combine those characteristics with Gordon’s adaptability, it’s easy to see why Richards believes he should be in England’s Euros team this summer.
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