Anthony Gordon

[MikeyMike]

I already confessed how little I knew of player apart from his visible footballing strengths but seems a good kid too and I really respected the authentic way he expressed the maturation he credits to his former club and how it was like a family for him - so much more a natural fit for our club then I would’ve guessed tbh

Might seem like confirmation bias but I sensed a good lad even earlier in the season in those post CL interviews - his effusive praise/respect for Barça and clear respect and admiration for Marcus Rashford was something I distinctly remember being impressed by at the time. I didn’t think anything more of it other than fair play to the lad for his candor - clear there was something more already at that point and I believe this was a specific Flick request, no doubt buoyed by facing them in CL. Of course, anecdotally I am curious the story behind his blinking tic

His signing interview, he spoke to how late Barça showed interest in him which highlighted he was already down a contract path with a different club (Uli’s). It’s a good interview on YouTube

I'm not sure anyone except his mum would describe him as a "good lad". He comes across as very, very focussed on his own career above everything else. That probably just makes him more honest than most players, rather than different. His coaches have always talked about him as someone with incredible belief in his own abilities, and someone who was easily frustrated when he thought the players around him weren't up to his standard. Absolutely no self-doubt whatsoever.

His record last season was generally poor. Sure, his stats in Europe look good but are puffed up by goals he scored against very poor teams, and penalties.

Anyway, I reckon he'll do a decent job for Barca and maybe he'll become a bit more humble in the presence of some genuinely world-class talent, but I doubt it.

Best thing about this transfer is that the RS are annoyed - they thought he loved them, not Barca (or Real, or Bayern, or whoever else would have flattered him with an offer, and instantly become his childhood favourites).