Anthony Gordon has admitted that playing through the middle may end up being his 'best position' after the Newcastle United forward impressed in a new role for England's under-21s.
Gordon caught the eye up front in both of the Young Lions' opening group games of the under-21 European Championships. After setting up Jacob Ramsey's opener against the Czech Republic with a clever flick, Gordon followed up that assist with a well-taken header in the 2-0 win against Israel last week in front of watching England boss Gareth Southgate.
Although Gordon did not start England under-21s' final group fixture against Germany, it is worth noting that manager Lee Carsley rang the changes, with his side's place in the quarter-finals already assured. Gordon, as a result, will almost certainly be restored to the starting line-up for Sunday's huge clash against Portugal.
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Gordon played in a similar position for Everton at the start of last season and Eddie Howe has previously admitted that the 22-year-old's versatility has given Newcastle the 'strength in numbers in the forward positions' following Chris Wood's move to Nottingham Forest. Although Howe sees Gordon's 'primary position' being on the wing, the Newcastle man is adding another string to his bow.
Given how Newcastle have to prioritise certain positions this summer, because of Financial Fair Play regulations, Gordon's ability to play across the front line may prove significant.
“It’s very different," Gordon told the Sun. "Obviously I haven’t played there many times so it doesn’t come naturally.
“I’m seeing a lot of the game in front of me, which is helping me a bit. I’m playing off Morgs [Morgan Gibbs-White], which is quite easy because he moves a lot.
“I’m getting a better understanding of football playing in different positions: a number eight and on the wings for Newcastle and now as a number nine. To be honest, I feel like it may be my best position because I think I’m better running off people.
"You can see when Morgs gets the ball and I’m spinning, I can use my pace a bit more. You can get a bit isolated on the wing, drifting in and out of games."
