Anthony Gordon Thriving at Barcelona as Former Newcastle Star Matches Rare La Liga Record

Anthony Gordon appears to be thriving since his move to Barcelona, with the former Newcastle and Everton winger already making a big impact in Spain after leaving the Premier League.

Since arriving at Camp Nou, Gordon has racked up five assists in just four matches, matching the total he managed across an entire 46-game season for Newcastle last year.

That fast start has also put him in rare company. Gordon is now just the fourth player in the last 50 years of La Liga to record five assists in a season's opening four matches, joining Real Madrid greats Juanito and Michel, as well as Lionel Messi, who did it during his remarkable 2011-12 campaign.

Nobody is suggesting Gordon is about to match the 91 goals Messi scored that season, but the comparison says plenty about how quickly he's adapted to life in Spain.

The reception from Barcelona's fans has matched his form on the pitch. Mundo Deportivo has already called him "a new idol at Camp Nou," and a banner reading "Anthony Gordon is Catalan" appeared outside the stadium. Supporters have also given him the nickname "Antoino Gordo," and during a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano, fans chanted his name throughout the match, referring to him as "Big Anthony," since "gordo" means big in Spanish.

His latest contributions came in Barcelona's 5-0 win over Valencia, a result that took them top of La Liga. His first assist was a delicate chipped pass into the path of Lamine Yamal, who lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to score. His second came when he collected a loose ball inside the box and squared it for Fermin Lopez, who finished into the bottom corner.

Gordon has also won over fans and teammates with his comments on the differences between the two leagues, admitting he now sees La Liga as the tougher test technically. "I'm not going to deny that the Premier League is incredibly intense," he said. 

"The rhythm is relentless, there are physical battles everywhere, long ball kicks, corner kicks and a lot of contact. That's why many English players believe it is the best league in the world."

He explained that the demands in Spain are different, requiring more precision. "In England, sometimes intensity can cover up mistakes," Gordon said. 

"Here, a bad first touch or a lack of concentration on your positioning can punish you immediately. The spaces are smaller, the decisions have to be faster and everything must be cleaner."