There is a special kind of electricity in the air on Tyneside when the UEFA Champions League anthem echoes around St James’ Park.
The memories of that unforgettable night against Paris Saint-Germain, a stunning 4-1 victory, are still fresh in the minds of every Newcastle United fan. It was a performance that announced the club’s return to European football’s top table.
As another European giant, FC Barcelona, prepares to visit, the challenge is to create another magical evening, but this time without a key figure from that PSG win: the now-departed Alexander Isak.
While the Swedish striker’s move to Liverpool has left a void, the emergence of new signing Nick Woltemade has provided a thrilling answer.
Yet, to truly unsettle a team of Barcelona’s quality, the attack needs to be multifaceted and dynamic. This is where manager Eddie Howe has some fascinating options at his disposal.
One of them is Anthony Elanga. Although his start to life at Newcastle has been quiet in terms of goals and assists, his raw attributes could be a secret weapon.
His most dangerous trait is his explosive pace, something he consistently used to terrify defenders during his time at Nottingham Forest, where he amassed an impressive 32 goal contributions.
In a high-stakes, nervy match, introducing that kind of direct speed against a defense that may be unsure of itself could be a masterstroke.
Elanga also possesses the valuable experience of having scored in the Champions League before during his time at Manchester United, and he will be desperate to prove he belongs on this stage.
However, the most exciting prospect for Newcastle might be the return of another player: Anthony Gordon. His availability adds a completely different dimension to the attack.
Interestingly, his situation creates a compelling parallel with Barcelona’s own young superstar. The Spanish club will be without their 18-year-old phenomenon, Lamine Yamal, who has been ruled out due to injury.
Yamal’s absence is a massive blow for Barcelona; he is already a central figure in their attack, boasting an incredible five goals and eight assists in the Champions League despite his youth.
In many ways, Anthony Gordon can be viewed as Newcastle’s answer to a player like Yamal. Both were thrust into the spotlight at a very young age Gordon was making waves at Everton at the same age Yamal is now.
Both are versatile, exciting attackers who carry the hopes of their team. While Yamal is often hailed as a “ridiculous” talent, Gordon has built a formidable reputation in the Premier League for his own game-changing abilities.
A look at his career output reveals just how effective he has been:
| Position | Games Played | Goals + Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Left Wing | 125 | 26 + 29 |
| Right Wing | 53 | 8 + 8 |
| Attacking Midfield | 21 | 13 + 2 |
| Centre Forward | 17 | 5 + 1 |
| Second Striker | 1 | 0 |
| Data sourced via Transfermarkt |
This table shows a player who is not only prolific but also incredibly versatile. For Newcastle specifically, he has been directly involved in 45 goals, a testament to his importance.
He has been described as “unplayable” at his best, a winger with the directness, skill, and end product to dismantle any defense.
With Yamal watching from the sidelines, the stage is set for Newcastle’s own young star to shine brightest.
Fresh from a suspension that has kept him rested, Gordon will be buzzing with energy and determination. The dream scenario for Eddie Howe is to see Gordon, Elanga, and Woltemade combine their talents mixing pace, trickery, and clinical finishing to overwhelm Barcelona.
In the absence of Isak, the team needs a new talisman to lead the line. On a famous European night under the lights, Anthony Gordon has all the qualities to be exactly that.
