Barcelona fans give immediate Anthony Gordon verdict after LaLiga debut cameo and even want him to bench Lamine Yamal

ANTHONY GORDON wasted no time making his mark on Barcelona, and fans have already been left dreaming about what he can do this season. The England winger came off the bench for his professional Barcelona debut and first La Liga appearance last night as the Catalan giants raced towards a huge 5-0 victory away at Elche. Anthony Gordon in action for Barcelona last night on his La Liga debut Credit: AFP Gordon was introduced in the 65th minute, replacing superstar Lamine Yamal with Barca already 2-0 ahead. Raphinha had opened the scoring in the first half before Karim Adeyemi doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time, with the German also making his own Barcelona debut after arriving from Borussia Dortmund. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! But Gordon needed just two minutes to announce himself. The £70million summer signing from Newcastle picked up possession and immediately showed his attacking instincts, sliding a clever pass through for Raphinha to race onto and fire home his second of the night. But the 25-year-old was not finished there as just four minutes later, he latched onto a superb through ball from Pedri before using his searing pace to eat up the ground in behind. Rather than go for glory himself, Gordon kept his head and squared for Fermín Lopez, who tapped home to put Barca 4-0 up. Fermín then added another 11 minutes from time. It represented a dream debut for the former Newcastle star, who had the perfect introduction to life at one of the biggest clubs in world football. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Gordon’s impact was immediate as he slipped one through for Raphinha to score within two minutes of his introduction Credit: X The reaction from supporters told the story. One fan wrote: “Anthony Gordon really said ‘remember my name’ on his Barcelona debut. What a cameo.” Another was full of praise for his involvement in Fermín’s goal, saying: “Anthony Gordon so unselfish as he gifts Fermin Lopez that’s goal to tap in.” But one supporter went considerably further with their verdict. They sensationally posted: “Might have to bench Yamal for Gordon until he can figure it out.” That may be a tongue-in-cheek reaction, but it underlines just how quickly Gordon has captured the imagination of Barcelona supporters. The winger arrived from Newcastle for £70m this summer, with Barca looking to add more depth and explosiveness in attack following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford returning to parent club Manchester United. They also brought in Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund for just £19m, with the German viewed as another option behind Yamal and Raphinha. Gordon plays in Fermín Lopez to make it 4-0 Credit: X That depth was needed after Rashford filled a similar role last season and enjoyed an impressive campaign. The England forward finished with 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, while also getting regular opportunities as Raphinha endured an injury-interrupted campaign. But Barca’s record with and without their Brazilian winger was particularly revealing. When Raphinha started last season, Barcelona won 24 of their 27 games, drawing two and losing just one. Without him in the starting XI, their record dropped dramatically. In the 30 matches Raphinha did not start, Barca won 20, drew one and lost NINE. Teenage sensation Yamal, meanwhile, established himself as the club’s talisman – scoring 24 goals in all competitions last season and finishing as Barcelona’s top scorer. That makes Gordon’s task of forcing his way into the starting XI even more difficult. Gordon celebrates with new teammate Fermín Lopez in what was a thoroughly enjoyable debut for the Englishman Credit: Getty If Raphinha and Yamal remain fit, there is little doubt that starting regularly out wide will be an enormous challenge for Gordon. But he has already shown exactly why Barcelona were willing to spend £70m on him. Barca already have a winning feeling inside the squad having won the last two La Liga titles, toppling Real Madrid in doing so. If Hansi Flick is to win a third in a row this season and in doing so match Pep Guardiola‘s feat between 2008/09 and 2010/11, Gordon has a big part to play. Top football travel deals Comment now