In recent years, Newcastle United’s recruitment has told a clear story – one of wide players redefining the club’s attacking identity.

From the chaotic final days of the Mike Ashley era to Eddie Howe’s meticulous rebuild, the evolution of Newcastle’s wing play mirrors their rise from relegation favourites to European contention.

Once reliant on isolated flashes of brilliance from players like Allan Saint-Maximin, the modern Newcastle has prioritised structure, pressing, and precision.

The arrivals of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and most recently Anthony Elanga have transformed the team’s threat on the flanks.

Each signing reflects a calculated balance: proven Premier League pedigree complemented by a willingness to nurture elite young prospects.

Howe’s wingers are no longer luxury players – they are the engine of the team.

Their pressing triggers Newcastle’s high-intensity game, their runs dictate tempo, and their final-third output defines the side’s ceiling.

It’s no coincidence that when Gordon and Barnes hit form, Newcastle’s results often follow.

And while injuries have at times disrupted rhythm, the depth and quality of the Magpies’ wing options have arguably never been stronger.

Why Gordon is so important to Newcastle

Gordon has become the embodiment of Howe’s footballing philosophy – industrious, fearless, and ruthlessly efficient.

Since arriving from Everton in 2023 for around £45m, the 24-year-old has evolved from a raw, energetic prospect into one of the Premier League’s most complete wide players.

Gordon’s game thrives on intensity.

His pressing metrics are among the best in Newcastle’s squad, and his ability to combine tireless defensive work with a direct attacking output has made him indispensable.

Last season, he registered nine goals and seven assists across all competitions – numbers that underline his evolution from a counterattacking winger into a high-volume chance creator.

Matches Played

38

Minutes

2,703

Shots

69

Progressive Carries

129

Progressive Passes

105

Statistically, he ranks in the top 10% of Premier League wingers for successful dribbles and progressive carries, while his xG involvement continues to rise each season.

More importantly, Gordon delivers in the biggest moments. Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Gordon has 17 goals and assists in 19 games against the Big Six.

While Saint-Maximin once dazzled without structure, Gordon combines flair with purpose.

He tracks back, presses intelligently, and executes Howe’s transitions with precision.

His chemistry with Lewis Hall on the left flank has been one of Newcastle’s most consistent attacking outlets – a pattern of overlaps, cut-backs, and diagonal switches that stretch even the most disciplined defences.

Even with competition from Barnes, Gordon remains the benchmark.

His relentless energy has set the tone for Newcastle’s pressing identity and his versatility gives Howe invaluable tactical flexibility.

For a club with a long and complex relationship with wingers, Gordon feels like the culmination of a decade of searching.

He’s not just a player who excites – he’s one who defines the team’s identity. But might Howe and co have another similar exciting talent?

Newcastle star looks "like Gordon" out on loan

While Gordon and Elanga headline Newcastle’s present, Antonio Cordero represents their future.

The 18-year-old Spaniard, signed from Málaga in the summer, is widely viewed within the club as one of the brightest young attacking prospects in Europe.

Cordero’s path to St James’ Park reflects Newcastle’s growing ambition in youth recruitment.

He turned down interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona to join Howe’s project, signing a five-year deal in 2025.

Before his move, he made 60 appearances for Málaga, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists — including a dramatic last-minute equaliser in the Segunda División play-off final that sealed the club’s promotion.

Now on loan at KVC Westerlo in Belgium’s top division, Cordero has featured five times this season, albeit for just 81 minutes – a concern Newcastle’s development staff will monitor closely.

The priority remains clear: regular senior minutes to accelerate his transition from prodigy to professional. Cordero’s style mirrors that of Gordon – fast, direct, and relentlessly positive on the ball.

Able to play on either flank but preferring the left, he combines low-centre balance with intelligent off-ball movement.

That reputation is backed up by 17 youth caps and four international goals since debuting for Spain’s U19s against Germany in 2024.

Former Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell called him an “exciting talent,” while analyst Ben Mattinson described him as “like Gordon.”

If nurtured correctly, Cordero could offer Howe the same dynamism Gordon brings, but with an added layer of creativity and unpredictability – an attacking wildcard Newcastle have often lacked against low blocks.

His arrival continues a clear pattern.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Alongside Elanga, and Barnes, Cordero embodies Newcastle’s dual approach: building a squad capable of immediate success while investing in players who can define the next decade.

From the unpredictable brilliance of Saint-Maximin to the refined relentlessness of Gordon, Newcastle’s wingers tell the story of a club reborn.

Newcastle are brewing the homegrown Elanga in 18-year-old "huge talent"

Newcastle’s attack has struggled this season, but rising star could be the future spark they need

ByWill Miller