NEWCASTLE: Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon expressed his delight after receiving praise from Benfica manager Jose Mourinho, calling it a “big compliment” following the Magpies’ dominant Champions League victory over the Portuguese side on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old England international opened the scoring — his fourth goal in three Champions League games this season — and assisted the final strike in a convincing 3-0 win at St. James’ Park, thrilling a crowd of over 52,000 fans.
There were plaudits aplenty for Gordon following the game but it was the words of Mourinho, who went over to talk to the former Everton frontman on the final whistle, that really hit home.
Asked what the veteran Portuguese boss had told him, Gordon replied: “He said ‘You’re too much’, which is a big compliment for me because as a kid, he was my favourite manager in the world growing up.
“It’s quite weird because he was quite a defensive manager, but I just love the way… even then, the bench was getting up. He really creates a team environment, it’s like us against the world. I recognise that from my own game, so it was a big compliment.
“It means an awful lot. Even if I didn’t idolise him, a compliment from any coach at this level means a lot.”
Newcastle climbed to seventh place in the table thanks to the victory with six points from their first three games.
Gordon broke the deadlock by turning in Jacob Murphy’s inviting cross with 32 minutes gone and, after substitute Harvey Barnes had doubled Newcastle’s lead 19 minutes from time, Gordon sent in Barnes for his second goal.
“I thought both our wingers that started the game did really well,” said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
“It was great to see them combine for the first goal, that’s a really pleasing sight.
“Anthony played very direct and I thought athletically, he was excellent. He put a really big effort in both on and off the ball.”
Gordon, meanwhile praised Nick Woltemade for the return pass played by the £69 million ($92 million) Germany attacker in the build-up to Newcastle’s third goal.
“I was unsure of his game style when he first came in, how it would translate for me,” said Gordon. “It’s been unbelievable, to be honest. I didn’t think it’d turn out as well as it has.
“He suits my game so well. He sees the little passes I do round the corner — that’s my style of play as a winger. Not a lot of attackers can really play off that style, but some of his first touches, some of his little flicks – especially for third goal — that’s top, top level.”
