Hansi Flick Praises Anthony Gordon’s Impact Despite Barcelona Goal Drought

Anthony Gordon remains without his first Barcelona goal, but Hansi Flick has praised the England winger’s early influence after the champions extended their perfect La Liga start with a 4-2 victory at Levante.

Gordon’s contribution beyond goals

The former Newcastle United player, signed by Barcelona in a major summer deal, did not manage a shot during Sunday’s match at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia. Even so, his work in possession and chance creation has made a positive impression during his first weeks with the club.

• Gordon has supplied four league assists so far this season.
• He has created 10 chances across Barcelona’s opening five La Liga fixtures.
• Barcelona have taken 15 points from 15 and lead Real Madrid by three points.

Flick said Gordon offers his side an important outlet when receiving the ball, highlighting the winger’s ability to bring possession under control and move it on to a team-mate. The Barcelona coach added that he wants the forward to score soon, believing a first goal would further help his adaptation, while stressing that he is already pleased with the player’s overall contribution.

Barcelona’s unbeaten opening run

1. Barcelona travelled to Valencia having won each of their first four league matches.
2. Lamine Yamal scored twice against Levante, with Xavi Espart and Karim Adeyemi also finding the net in the 4-2 win.
3. The result took Barcelona to 21 goals scored and four conceded in five matches, equalling the club’s strongest-ever beginning to a league campaign.
4. Flick said he was proud of both his squad and the club, but warned that the impressive figures were already in the past and that the season was only starting.

The defending champions will return to Camp Nou for matchday six, when Racing Santander visit. Barcelona then travel to Sevilla on Saturday, September 19, in their final domestic fixture before the international break.

Those matches give Gordon another opportunity to turn his creative start into a first goal in Blaugrana colours as Barcelona seek to protect their early advantage at the top of La Liga.