Rafa Benitez has likened former Everton attacker Anthony Gordon’s style of play with that of Real Madrid star’s Vinicius Junior, who is set to face Liverpool tonight in the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking to AS, the former Toffees manager was asked about how the Brazilian international’s way of playing makes him a player fullbacks intentionally target, with Vinicius one of the most fouled players in Europe having developed into one of the best wingers in the world.
And when talking about the 22-year-old, Benitez made the surprising comparison between Vinicius and Gordon, who Everton sold in January to Newcastle United in one of Frank Lampard’s last actions as manager, with a deal being finalised as the English coach was sacked.
Benitez said when talking about Vinicius’ style of play: “My last player like that is Anthony Gordon at Everton. You have to talk to him, teach him with videos when this or that happens, educate him to anticipate game situations and minimise the opponent’s chances of stopping him with fouls.”
Indeed, Gordon was one of Everton’s best forwards before moving to Newcastle in January, with the attacker’s direct style of play and approach of breaking down opposing teams something that made the youngster an appealing target for many top sides.
Yet whilst Gordon is an entertaining striker to watch, few would agree that the England youth international is as good as Vinicius, who could arguably be considered the best left-sided attacker currently playing in world football, with the winger set for a starring role against Liverpool this week.
Gordon will want to show he can reach Vinicius’ levels at Newcastle
Gordon’s move to Newcastle in January caught many by surprise, yet in the northeast, the attacker will now be set on proving he is worth the £40m the Magpies spent on the youngster, with these latest comments from Benitez likely to spur on the winger.
Whilst Gordon has some way to go before hitting Vinicius’ level of quality, the forward could have the potential and the drive to reach such a peak at Newcastle, a club where the youngster is set to receive some of the best coaching in football as well as training with some of the biggest players in the game.
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