Anthony Gordon is set for a starring role for Newcastle covering multiple positions - after winning the European Under-21 championship with England.
Boss Eddie Howe has backed the £45m winger to kick on and “really contribute” after a slow start to his club career on Tyneside. Gordon used the Under-21s in Georgia, where he scored twice and won player of the tournament, to sharpen up and be in top shape ahead of the Toon’s five week pre-season tune-up.
Howe revealed today that tests have shown his squad are the fittest he’s ever managed, after they were given individual conditioning programmes for the summer holidays. Gordon played as a false No9 for England and Howe said: "Anthony’s individual position and how he played and the success England got will serve him well for the season ahead. We really value him highly. We hope he really contributes this year.
“I have seen Anthony play in that position for Everton before he signed for us and we spoke about one of the big things signing him was versatility. So for us he has played left and right and centrally as a midfielder.
“In training he has also played up front and has done well in those games we have had here. He is a player who has that versatility and a season like we are going into, players who can play in different positions, are so valuable to us.
“We are always pleased when players get recognition from their country because we know it is a big motivation for a lot of them. So we are also delighted for Joelinton playing for Brazil and scoring.”
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Newcastle start their pre-season games against Gateshead on Saturday with Rangers next week before their trip to the United States. Howe says the season will throw up new challenges after finishing fourth and qualifying for the Champions League.
He added: “With the amount of games we will have, it’s a slightly different season with the competitions we are in. Europe, and a lot of travelling.
“The lads have come back very fit because of the programmes they have been on and the programmes that we individualised. We keep fitness records right back through our management and, yes, best we’ve seen. They have come back and are ready to work and ready for the tough test the Premier League will bring.
“It is good to see everyone and have that unique feel the lads have brought to the football club. The togetherness and spirit you can see already.”
United’s only new signing Sandro Tonali will be eased into the frame as he adjusts to life on Tyneside after his £55m transfer. Howe will work out how best to use him but says he is also versatile.
Howe said: “He is a high level player. He has great experiences for such a young player. He has won the Italian league, this season got to the Champions League semi final. He’s a full Italian international.
“He has a pedigree but also huge potential because his best years are ahead of him as well. He has versatility and can play various roles and we will wait to see as we work with him more where he fits in to what we do. We have brought in top players and I am delighted to have competition and depth.”
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