Barcelona’s Anthony Gordon admitted LaLiga can be less forgiving than the Premier League when mistakes are made. Gordon, who impressed for England in the FIFA World Cup, has joined the Catalan club this summer after previously playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The midfielder is slowly trying to adapt to the game style of La Liga and wants to keep improving his game to meet all the demands.
“I loved playing in the Premier League, and it played a huge part in my development,” Gordon said.
“But Spanish football demands a different level of tactical and technical intelligence.
“In England, the intensity can sometimes mask a mistake. You can miss control the ball and still make up for it by winning the next physical battle. Here, a poor first touch or a lapse in concentration regarding your positioning can be punished immediately.
“The spaces are smaller, decisions have to be made more quickly and everything has to be more precise.”
The English player scored 39 goals in 152 matches for Newcastle United in more than three Premier League seasons. He had previously played for Everton.
“Some Premier League teams would struggle to play this style consistently because they might not have the patience or the quality in midfield that is required.
“I won’t deny that the Premier League is incredibly intense. The pace is relentless, there are physical battles everywhere, long throw-ins, corner kicks and plenty of contact. That’s why many English players believe it’s the best league in the world. They’re used to that sort of chaos. Football in Spain is different.”
Gordon has provided three assists in three games for Barcelona. The 25-year-old wants to make the most of his pace.
“My speed becomes even more effective here because the movement around me creates opportunities and spaces, rather than everyone simply running forwards in straight lines,” he said.
Barcelona will face Valencia on Sunday.
