Anthony Gordon was training as a number 8 towards the end of the season with Eddie Howe as the Newcastle United head coach looks to add another feather to his hat.
The £40million man featured for the most part of his time at Newcastle in 2023 as a winger but Howe knows that with a long season ahead, Gordon could be needed in midfield. The idea is to give Gordon the chance to show he can do it as a box-to-box midfielder.
Howe is in the market for another central midfielder but with Newcastle set to rotate and with Champions League games to come on top of the Premier League plus the domestic cups, it could see a change in role in some matches for the Scouser. Gordon will soon be in action in the European Championships with England at Under-21 level and it remains to be seen where coach Lee Carsley uses the youngster.
READ MORE - Eddie Howe looks ahead to United States tour
Gordon told reporters: "At Chelsea, it was the first time I'd been used as a number 8. But the manager does a lot in the week that makes me feel comfortable in the positions.
"It's a lot of tactical information that makes me feel comfortable. It was obviously a good decision because I scored."
The 1-1 draw with Chelsea was the ideal way for Gordon to finish off the season at Stamford Bridge following a mediocre start to his Toon career. But the ex-Everton star will benefit from working with Howe after he gets back from the Euros with England.
Speaking about Gordon recently, Howe said: "He is a player of undoubted ability and I am looking forward to seeing him next year."
