Tim Sherwood says Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United should have signed either James Maddison or Harvey Barnes instead of Anthony Gordon following his transfer from Everton.
The former Premier League winner added that the Leicester City duo are ‘proven’, unlike Gordon, as well as being able to unlock defences, in the case of Maddison.
The Leicester City playmaker has been in outstanding form during the past 18 months, so much so that he earned a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
From 14 Premier League games this season, Maddison, who has been heavily linked with Newcastle, has seven goals and four assists to his name.
Compare that to someone like Gordon, who from his 65 Premier League games at Goodison Park, he has seven goals and three assists.
Yes, the Toffees have struggled during that period, but Leicester themselves are only three points clear of the Merseyside club.
Nonetheless, whilst Sherwood backed Howe to get the best out of Gordon, he explained why they should have signed Maddison or Barnes instead, as he told Sky Sports News (28/01/23 at 2:15 pm).
“I don’t think Eddie (Howe) is interested in what he (Gordon) has done in the past because he has done nothing really,” said Sherwood. “He has seen potential in the boy and that he can improve him. He is going to help them out of possession because he is very fit, quick and he gets to people.
“In possession, he’s a bit of a straight-liner, for me. He’s not a creator. I think he is a runner without the ball. He’s full of energy and has an eye for a goal, but not that many.
“I think there were better options out there. I think they need someone to unlock the door. I think James Maddison would have been a better option at 26. He is still a young man. Ready-made, you know he is someone that will open the door for you.
“And someone like Barnes, I think he would be a similar price as well. I’m not trying to sell Brendan’s players here, but I am looking at proven, regular and consistent performers in the Premier League. Anthony Gordon certainly isn’t one of those. But hopefully, Eddie sees something in him and he will turn him into a superstar.”
MADDISON IN THE SUMMER…?
Yes, the argument could be made that a player like Maddison would have suited Newcastle better than Gordon, but perhaps they will get both.
Now, it would be one big surprise if anything happens before Tuesday’s cut-off point.
But, come the summer, especially if Newcastle are in the Champions League, then it wouldn’t be a surprise if they push for a player of Maddison’s ilk.
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