Eddie Howe hailed Anthony Gordon as a “fierce competitor” and “unique player” ahead of Newcastle’s crucial Champions League clash with PSG.
The Magpies sit bottom of their group heading into the penultimate group game but with everything to play for, sitting just three points off the top and two behind second place PSG.
Gordon has been in fine form for Howe’s side this season, scoring five goals in 12 Premier League games so far – his fifth coming in the 4-1 thumping of Chelsea on Saturday.
“He has been in great form for us. When we signed him we knew we were signing a player of huge potential and real ability,” Howe said.
“The big thing for him recently has been adding goals and assists. The last game [against Chelsea] was a brilliant goal he scored and the cross for Lascelles was a key moment that helped secure us the points.
“For me, his work off the ball has been at a really high level through his time here but we really encourage him to keep adding those valuable goal contributions for us.
Embed from Getty Images“He is a unique player. He’s played games and been robust for us and that’s something we’re putting more and more importance on our players, because players that can continue to play every two or three days is a skill in itself.
“He has done very well physically this year, because the output he is giving us every week is extremely high.
“He plays on the edge, he is a fierce competitor and I’m delighted with his progress this season.”