‘I wasn’t sure’: Arsenal legend says 22-year-old Newcastle man is really impressing him now

Former Arsenal great Freddie Ljungberg has admitted he is surprised by Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon this season after a blistering start to the season.

Where would we be without Anthony Gordon this season? Eight goal involvements in 12 Premier League games is an amazing return for the young winger when you consider how much he was struggling when he arrived on Tyneside in January.

Gordon looked out of his depth when he arrived in the winter transfer window and didn't really have much of an impact on last season, but the England u21 international set himself a goal of getting fitter over the summer, and hoped to use the Under 21 European Championships to improve his fitness and his overall play, and boy did he.

Anthony Gordon set himself a goal of improvement over the summer

The 22-year-old picked up the player of the tournament as he guided England to the Euro trophy and then carried that form into his game for Newcastle. It's a turnaround that has made everyone stand up and take note - except Gareth Southgate who keeps leaving him out of his England squad.

Ryan Crockett via News Images

Jamie Carragher was full of praise for Gordon on Sky Sports Monday Night Football last night, calling him Newcastle's most important player.

"Yes, there is no doubt about that [Gordon is Newcastle's most important player]. I think actually this season and you look at the impact he’s had, I think he’s been Newcastle’s best player."

We're inclined to agree with Carragher that Gordon has been our best player. He's certainly been our most consistent. Also in agreement with Carragher was former Arsenal man Freddie Ljungberg who admitted he wasn't so sure about Gordon before.Fre

Freddie Ljungberg has joined the AG10 hype train

Ljungberg praised the way Gordon took his goal against Chelsea on Saturday before going on to admit that he feels he's improving game-on-game.

"It’s a clever run. He just waits and once he steps onto that side, he can’t be offside. His arm is above the defender and he just angles in behind the defender.

"This is what I like the most about him, he has speed. He doesn’t just run and run, he has the speed and here he is composed and shows his strength, drops his shoulder and that is not an easy finish. It’s top quality, and what I see is that I enjoy watching him now. I wasn’t sure at the beginning, but every game he is getting better."

It's high praise for Gordon, now we just need a certain Mr Southgate to get on the Anthony Gordon bandwagon and recognise his talent.