Wayne Rooney gives clear answer on whether Anthony Gordon can be Newcastle’s striker this season
Anthony Gordon led the line for Newcastle United in their Premier League curtain-raiser against Aston Villa, but the tactical decision has sparked debate — with Wayne Rooney making his stance on the matter very clear.
The Magpies played out a goalless draw at Villa Park in what turned out to be a relatively flat opening fixture. The highlight, if anything, came when Villa defender Ezri Konsa was dismissed midway through the second half, giving Newcastle a man advantage that they ultimately failed to capitalise on. Despite controlling long spells of the match and creating more opportunities, Eddie Howe’s side couldn’t find the breakthrough.
One key talking point was the fact that Newcastle did not start with a recognised striker. With Alexander Isak absent and Callum Wilson still working his way back to full fitness, Howe opted to deploy Gordon as a makeshift centre-forward. The 23-year-old has built his reputation as a pacey, direct winger, but on this occasion was asked to shoulder the responsibility of leading the attack.
That decision didn’t sit well with former England captain Wayne Rooney, who gave a blunt assessment after the game. Speaking on Match of the Day when asked by Mark Chapman whether Gordon could realistically be moulded into a striker under Howe, Rooney shut the idea down immediately.
“No, I don’t think so,” he replied firmly. “For Anthony Gordon, his best position is clearly out wide. That’s where he looks dangerous. Newcastle need a proper centre-forward. That might mean keeping hold of Isak, which doesn’t look straightforward at the moment, or going into the market to bring someone else in. Gordon, and even someone like Anthony Elanga, are far more effective when they’re used in the wide areas.”
It was a definitive verdict from Rooney, who has long maintained that Gordon’s biggest assets — his acceleration, direct dribbling, and ability to stretch defences — are those of a winger, not a central striker. While Gordon’s energy and movement can cause problems in any attacking role, Rooney insists that Newcastle will get far more value from him operating on the flank.
The former Manchester United forward also pointed out that this is not the first time he has championed Gordon as a wide player. Ahead of Euro 2024, Rooney highlighted Gordon as one of England’s most exciting options on the wing, urging Gareth Southgate to utilise him there.
“He’s different,” Rooney explained at the time. “Of course, Bukayo Saka does that as well, but not to the same extent as Gordon. Anthony runs off the ball, he darts in behind, he takes players on and commits defenders. Importantly, he holds the width. We’ve seen him do it for Newcastle week in, week out. By staying wide, he creates space inside for others, players like Phil Foden.
“Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer prefer drifting infield, which plays to their strengths. Gordon is the one who will stay on the touchline and force teams to defend wider. That’s crucial, especially when opponents sit deep. If you don’t have that width, it becomes too easy to defend against.”
For Newcastle, Rooney’s analysis reinforces what many supporters already feel: the team desperately requires a natural centre-forward to lead the line. Gordon’s versatility is an asset, but his qualities are maximised when he is driving at full-backs rather than battling centre-halves.
The opening-day draw at Villa Park will no doubt leave Howe and his recruitment team reflecting on how best to balance the squad before the transfer window closes. If Newcastle are serious about competing at the top end of the Premier League again this season, securing a reliable striker could prove essential — and it may also be the key to unlocking Gordon’s full potential.