Direct, intense … selfish? What are Barcelona getting in Anthony Gordon?

J osé Mourinho was a man on a mission. Once the final whistle blew, he made a beeline for Anthony Gordon and not only embraced the England winger, but whispered four words in his ear. “You are too much,” was the message from Benfica’s manager after his side lost a Champions League match 3-0 at Newcastle last October. Gordon had scored one goal, created another and terrorised Benfica’s defence in the course of the sort of performance that explains why Barcelona are paying £70m for his turbo-charged talent. “It was a big compliment for me because, as a kid growing up, José Mourinho was my favourite manager in the whole world,” said Gordon. “I idolised him.” Given the Portuguese’s expected installation for a second stint in charge of Real Madrid, it may be prudent for Gordon to keep those memories private at the Camp Nou, where his arrival is intended as part of the plan to keep Madrid firmly in their place. Rather like Mourinho off the pitch, Gordon will bring unpredictability to Barcelona . At first glance, a versatile right-footed forward arguably at his best on the left, but capable of playing across the frontline, is far from a classic Barça player. Aggressive and direct, he revels in accelerating into space behind defenders and pressing, relentlessly, from the front with rare intensity. The 25-year-old does not appear overly interested in attempting to slow games down or helping weave intricate passing patterns. Indeed, he does not really do patient. …