Anthony Gordon believes Barcelona are a level above both Arsenal and Liverpool following Newcastle United’s 2-1 defeat in the Champions League on Thursday night.
Two excellent goals in the second half from Marcus Rashford gave Barcelona the lead at St James’ Park before Gordon set up a tense finish by pulling one back for Newcastle in the 90th minute.
Barcelona, however, continued to show their class on the ball and barely gave Newcastle another opportunity to rescue a draw before the full-time whistle.
‘I think in ways the way they keep the ball was a learning experience,’ Gordon told beIN Sports after his side’s defeat.
‘We don’t play against that kind of style in England, not at that level anyway, I thought they were the best I’ve played against in that sense of the game. Some of that play in midfield was really top.’
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When the interviewer said he could not imagine an opposing team keeping the ball for almost the entirety of injury time at St James’ Park after Newcastle scored their goal, Gordon replied: ‘No, neither do I.
‘We’ve played against some top teams, City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, but the way they pass the ball, the midfielders, the way they were fluid in their movement and combining, made it really hard for us to press, and it’s not easy coming here and doing that.
‘We press with intensity, we’re very physical but to be fair to them, they did really well.’
Rashford, meanwhile, found the net for the first time since joining Barcelona on loan from Manchester United in the summer.
When asked what he made of Rashford’s performance against Newcastle, Gordon replied: ‘Really good.
‘I think he’s had a tough time for the past year or so, so I’m really happy for him. I know as a footballer you can go through difficult times and you can feel very lonely.
‘He’s worked very hard, he seemed really happy last time I was on England camp with him. He’s a good lad, very nice guy, very shy, listen, he’s a top, top player. When he’s on his day he’s one of the best in the world, scored two amazing goals, so well done to him.’
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