Rafa Benitez has drawn similarities between Anthony Gordon and Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior when the two are at full throttle. A well-respected figure at Newcastle United, Benitez managed each winger at the Bernabeu and Goodison Park respectively.
The Magpies stumped up £45million to lure Gordon to St James’ Park last month. So far, the 21-year-old has been restricted to substitute cameos as Eddie Howe eases him into Tyneside life.
Gordon became Newcastle’s second-most expensive player ever when he completed a move from Everton - his boyhood club. United stumped up a hefty fee based on potential, with the Scouser only becoming a first-team regular last season.
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On the flip side, Madrid sensation Vini Jr, just one year older than Gordon, has already reached the pinnacle. The Brazilian scored the winner in the Champions League final against Liverpool last season. Another excellent display at Anfield - where he scored a first-half brace - further showcased his talents.
Former Toon boss Benitez believes the two have comparable playing styles and must be handled similarly off the field to improve their game. He told Spanish outlet AS: “It depends on each one. In the case of Vinicius, we are talking about a very fast player who confronts people. It is his game and his virtue.
“It is very difficult for defenders to stop him, especially when he launches the ball forward to run onto because you can make contact just by arriving late without even trying to foul him.
“I have had some players with the same issue. The most recent case was Anthony Gordon, at Everton, who is very fast and tricky to play against. You have to talk to them, convince them, teach them how to handle certain situations by sitting down and studying videos, educate them to anticipate game situations and minimise the opponent’s chances of stopping him by fouling him.”
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