Joey Barton has sparked controversy by delivering a blunt critique of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, accusing the young attacker of possessing an inflated sense of his own importance. During a recent episode of the Common Sense podcast, the former Premier League midfielder claimed that Gordon mimics the demeanor of Cristiano Ronaldo despite a significant dip in his on-field output this season.
Barton specifically targeted the player’s focus on his appearance, suggesting that his choice of hairstyles and accessories has overshadowed his professional contributions.
Barton argued that Gordon remains in the starting lineup primarily due to a lack of genuine competition from teammate Harvey Barnes rather than his own merit. He emphasized that Newcastle’s ambition to secure a top-six finish requires more consistent and effective performances from their key players. The outspoken pundit advised the former Everton man to simplify his image and refocus on the fundamentals of the game to help the Magpies navigate a challenging battle for European qualification.
Statistically, Gordon has struggled to match the heights of his previous campaigns, recording just two goals and one assist in the Premier League so far this season. While he has found more success in cup competitions—netting five times in the UEFA Champions League and once in the FA Cup—Barton maintains that his domestic form is insufficient. As Newcastle fights to maintain its position in the upper tier of the table, the pressure continues to mount on Gordon to silence his critics with meaningful results.
Barton stated: “It doesn’t matter how many mad colours you put in your hair or Adidas f****** headbands (you have), it ain’t gonna work for you lad. Get yourself a short back and sides and start showing consistent performance because the way he moves around the pitch is not effective. He’s got this mad Ronaldo essence-like aura when he’s like Chloe Kelly. He’s got Chloe Kelly’s f****** aura but thinks he’s got Ronaldo’s aura. He’s fortunate that Harvey Barnes can’t even touch him. I’m telling you now, he is massively having a poke of himself and Newcastle United have got to finish in the top six. They’ve got a f****** scrap on to finish top six. They’re really close to finishing in the top six.”
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