Beijing time (CEST) September 1, La Liga Matchday 3, Barcelona defeated Rayo Vallecano 5-2 at home. "Mundo Deportivo" published an article after the match praising Gordon's outstanding performance.

The 25-year-old Gordon is the type of new signing who has to give everything to earn recognition. As always, transfer fees typically shape the first impression the outside world has of new players. Barcelona paid a fixed transfer fee of 70 million euros plus add-ons for him, a huge investment that demands he performs on the pitch. However, Deco firmly believes the Newcastle winger is worth the money, as inflated transfer fees have become the norm in the Premier League market for quite some time.

For Barcelona, the good news is that the English winger is gradually establishing himself in the starting lineup with his aggressive pressing, active runs, pace to break play with and without the ball, and intuitive understanding with his teammates. In the match against Rayo Vallecano, with Raphinha playing again as an improvised striker, Gordon started as left winger and once again proved to be a key figure in turning the tide of the match.

Gordon played with considerable confidence on the pitch, forming a very fluid triangular association with left-back Esparta and attacking midfielder Dani Olmo. He constantly tested his marker, Balliu, with continuous runs, pushing his opponent to the limit several times.

Gordon possesses exquisite technique, but what troubles opponents most is his incredibly strong attacking power. It was his physical advantage in duels that led to Barcelona's third goal in the 51st minute. Bernal advanced with the ball 40 meters from goal and played it to Olmo, who was behind Raphinha. The technical midfielder from Terrassa noticed Gordon making a run into the space between the full-back and center-back and immediately delivered an excellent pass. Despite the opposing player attempting to interfere with physical contact, Gordon powered through to the ball and crossed with his left foot to Raphinha, which ultimately forced Lejeune to inadvertently put the ball into his own net while clearing, beating Cárdenas.

With the score at 3-2, Rayo Vallecano briefly glimpsed hope of an equalizer, but Gordon struck a fatal blow to the Madrid side once more. In the 71st minute, Kounde played a through ball, leaving Gordon in a one-on-one situation with Lejeune. The English winger drove into the area, noticed Raphinha making a run behind him, and then skillfully delivered a diagonal backheel pass into his path, leaving him alone against Cárdenas. The Brazilian striker didn't waste the opportunity, making it 4-2 and completely killing off any remaining tension in the match. When Gordon was substituted by Adeyemi in the 76th minute, the entire Camp Nou rose to give him an ovation. To date, he has been directly involved in 4 goals: 2 against Elche and another 2 in this match. For a new signing, such a start is already excellent.

Traducido por IA.

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