Anthony Gordon Praises Spain After England Defeat: ‘Best in the World’
Anthony Gordon may have ended the night on the losing side, but the Barcelona winger had nothing but admiration for Spain after their dramatic Nations League victory over England.
Luis de la Fuente's side came from behind to defeat England 3-2, with Barcelona's Spanish contingent playing a prominent role in a fiercely contested encounter.
Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Dani Olmo all featured for Spain, while Gordon represented Barcelona on the English side and even found the back of the net.
Despite scoring, the Barcelona forward ultimately had to settle for defeat.
Gordon Explains What Makes Spain So Difficult to Beat
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Gordon highlighted one particular quality that makes Spain extremely difficult to play against.
According to the Barcelona winger, once Spain take control of a match, their ability to retain possession makes it incredibly difficult for opponents to regain momentum.
“The difference with a team like this is that once they take the lead, it becomes very difficult to win the ball back from them.”
Gordon has experienced that challenge before.
The Englishman recalled facing Barcelona during his time at Newcastle and said he encountered a similar level of control from the Catalan side.
“I experienced that when I was playing with Newcastle against Barcelona.”
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‘The Best in the World’
Gordon was particularly impressed by Spain's ability to control the ball when protecting a lead.
Rather than simply sitting deep and defending, Spain continued to dictate the tempo through possession, forcing England to chase the game.
Gordon admitted he still does not fully understand how Spain consistently achieve that level of control.
“I don’t know what the secret is, but the way they control the ball when they’re ahead is the best in the world.”
It was a significant compliment coming from a player who had just experienced the frustration of trying to win the ball back from them.
Gordon Embracing Spanish Football
Gordon's comments also underline how much he appreciates the Spanish approach to football.
The Barcelona winger has previously spoken positively about the differences between English and Spanish football, particularly the emphasis on technical quality and possession.
Since joining Barcelona, Gordon has been adapting to a style that demands intelligent movement, aggressive pressing and confidence in possession.
That adjustment appears to be progressing well.
The winger has already scored during the current international break, giving him another boost of confidence before returning to club football.
Now Comes the Barcelona Challenge
Gordon's international goal will be particularly welcome as he looks to break his duck at Barcelona.
Despite making a strong impression since arriving at the Catalan club, he is still waiting for his first official goal in a Barcelona shirt.
His performance for England provides another reminder of the attacking threat he can offer.
Now, with the international break coming to an end, Gordon will return to Barcelona determined to transfer that confidence to club football.
And if he can combine his attacking qualities with the possession-based football he clearly admires, Barcelona could have another dangerous weapon ready for the second part of the season.
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