Freddie Ljungberg had real doubts about 22-year-old Newcastle player but loves watching him now

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Freddie Ljungberg has issued his verdict on Anthony Gordon after admitting that he was not sure on the Newcastle United star in the past.

Ljungberg was speaking on Monday Night Football (broadcast on 27/11; 19:20) after the 22-year-old scored his fifth Premier League goal of the season on Saturday as Newcastle thrashed Chelsea at St James’ Park.

Anthony Gordon has been a revelation in the opening months of this campaign. He took a while to get going following his move to the Magpies. But something appears to have really clicked for the youngster so far this season.

Freddie Ljungberg says he wasn’t sure about Anthony Gordon

Gordon is improving week on week. And having scored one goal in his first 16 appearances for the club, Gordon has now got five in his last 18.

His latest came with a really smart finish after beating the offside trap against Chelsea on Saturday. And following that performance, Freddie Ljungberg admitted that the winger really has proved him wrong with his performances this season.

“This is what I like about him, he has speed. Here, composed and nice, he’s sure about his strength. Drops his shoulder. That one there is not an easy finish when he smashes it down to the ground, round the keeper a little bit. That’s top quality,” he told Monday Night Football.

“I really enjoy watching him. I wasn’t sure either in the beginning, but now, every game is getting better and better.”

Newcastle vindicated for transfer bargain

It did seem that Newcastle had taken a potential gamble when they spent a hefty sum to sign the youngster from Everton. While his talent was evident, he did seem a very raw player. And he had gone off the boil towards the end of his time at Goodison Park.

But Eddie Howe did not rush him. And that patience is now being rewarded. Gordon is looking like a bargain. He is another incredibly dangerous option Howe has available to him. In fact, he may be the most dangerous of the lot given the ways he can hurt teams.

And that result was exactly the win Newcastle would have hoped for as they now prepare for their massive Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.