Anthony Gordon: The Engine Behind Newcastle United’s New Era
Since Eddie Howe took charge at Newcastle United, the team has become synonymous with relentless energy, aggressive pressing, and rapid transitions. Central to this transformation has been the rise of Anthony Gordon, whose performances during the 2023-24 season have taken many by surprise. Once questioned for his transfer fee and former Everton ties, Gordon is now emerging as a vital asset, perfectly reflecting Howe’s high-octane philosophy.
Gordon’s Dynamic Impact on the Wing
Few wide players have matched Anthony Gordon’s contributions this season. At just 22 years old, he has tormented some of the league’s standout defenders thanks to his lightning pace and relentless work rate. After a period of adaptation last year—where he started mainly as a substitute and contributed a single assist—Gordon has exploded this term. In his first 12 Premier League games, he racked up five goals and three assists, making the left flank his own amid competition from the likes of Harvey Barnes.
Previously, Newcastle had struggled to find consistency on the left wing, with injuries to Allan Saint-Maximin and makeshift solutions using Joelinton or Joe Willock. Gordon has ended that uncertainty, cementing his role despite squad rotation and new arrivals.
Unmatched Intensity and Tactical Versatility
What sets Gordon apart is far more than just numbers. His turbocharged energy makes him a constant threat on the break, often spearheading counterattacks with direct dribbles that force defenders onto the back foot. As he surges forward, his movement not only creates space for strikers like Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson but also gives Newcastle vital penetration in transition.
His style might seem straightforward—cutting in from the left onto his stronger right foot—but his combination of blistering acceleration, close ball control, and deft tactical awareness keeps opponents guessing. In one-vs-one situations, Gordon’s ability to drive the ball swiftly across his body and time his touches frequently sees him breeze past defenders, creating separation and dangerous shooting angles.
Gordon’s unpredictable dribbling often leads to defenders losing their footing or being wrong-footed, and he isn’t afraid to use tricks like nutmegs to exploit any gap left open. His physical and technical attributes come together in crucial attacking phases, but they’re equally valuable in defensive transitions and pressing schemes.
Leading the Press and Setting the Standard
Defensively, Gordon epitomizes Newcastle’s pressing philosophy. He instinctively reads the game, quickly closing down opposition players, capitalizing on poor touches or slow passes, and harrying defenders into mistakes. His willingness to press high and track back ensures Newcastle’s opponents are rarely comfortable building from the back. Furthermore, Gordon often covers for teammates who are out of position, continually working for the collective good.
A prime example of his influence came in Newcastle’s memorable 4-1 victory over Chelsea, where Gordon played a direct role in three goals. Whether keeping the ball in play to initiate assists, delivering inch-perfect crosses, or making incisive runs behind the defense, his impact was unmistakable. Even renowned defenders like Reece James struggled against his relentless play, with Gordon’s aggression ultimately contributing to a Chelsea red card.
Resilience and Room to Grow
Gordon’s unique blend of energy and skill has silenced early skeptics over his transfer and underlined why he is integral to Howe’s vision for Newcastle. His development at such a young age hints at even greater potential, which is a daunting prospect for rival Premier League fullbacks.
Douglas Luiz: Driving Aston Villa’s Midfield Resurgence
While Anthony Gordon illustrates Newcastle’s rise, Douglas Luiz has been pivotal to Aston Villa’s evolution under Unai Emery. Since Emery’s appointment, Luiz has thrived—shifting from a deep-lying role to a dynamic box-to-box presence alongside Boubacar Kamara.
Adapting to a New Role and Elevating Villa’s Attack
Previously stationed as a holding midfielder, Luiz now enjoys greater freedom to surge forward and connect Villa’s defensive and attacking phases. Kamara provides the defensive stability, allowing Luiz to carry and distribute the ball under less pressure. His calmness in possession—not relying on pure speed but on intelligence and close control—enables him to break opposition lines with well-timed passes and switches of play.
Luiz’s on-field vision is evident in his frequent scanning and awareness, consistently picking the right moment and angle to release teammates into space for attacking opportunities.
Increasing Goal Threat and All-Round Influence
Luiz’s attacking stats underline his transformation. After finishing the 2022-23 campaign with six goals and six assists, he is already close to matching those numbers this season, with five goals and two assists from just 13 appearances. His contributions place him second behind only Ollie Watkins in Villa’s attacking output, ahead of other high-profile signings.
Much of Luiz’s goal threat comes from his sense of timing and long-range shooting. He often lingers at the edge of the box, ready to strike as defenses compress, and has already scored twice from outside the penalty area this season. Additionally, he is adept at capitalizing on rebounds and linking up with forwards, especially when defenders focus on marking Villa’s main striker.
Set-Piece Specialist and Future Prospects
Recognizing his technical quality, Emery has also entrusted Luiz with set-piece responsibilities. His ability to deliver from dead-ball situations further amplifies his importance to the side.
Given his form, it’s inevitable that bigger clubs will take notice. Luiz’s career began with a move to Manchester City, but now at 25, he has established himself at Villa as one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders. Should he continue in this vein, he could become a coveted figure for elite European clubs—or help propel Villa to those heights themselves.
Conclusion
Anthony Gordon and Douglas Luiz have become defining players in their respective teams’ resurgence stories this Premier League season. Gordon, with his relentless pressing and attacking danger, symbolizes Newcastle’s new identity under Howe. Luiz, with his tactical intelligence and attacking impact, has elevated Aston Villa’s midfield and overall ambitions under Emery. Both players not only justify their roles but represent the new breed of high-energy, tactically astute stars shaping the modern English game.
