Newcastle United’s ‘outstanding’ comeback kid who deserves Premier League ‘most improved’ tag

Ally McCoist believes Eddie Howe is the key behind Anthony Gordon’s meteoric rise for Newcastle United this season.

A stellar campaign has resulted in supporters who questioned his arrival eating their words. Toon chiefs stumped up a hefty £40million for Gordon 16 months ago - a fee that now appears a bargain. 

But there were doubters in those initial months as the 23-year-old admitted to struggling under Howe’s relentless coaching methods. Legendary broadcaster Jeff Stelling believes Gordon has been the most improved Premier League player this season.

“Most improved player of the season, I only had one suggestion,” he told talkSPORT. “When Anthony Gordon went to Newcastle from Everton, I wondered why. Because I didn’t see the player in him that Eddie Howe saw in him.

“This season he has been phenomenal and must be in that England squad. Maybe, (he should) even start for England.”

Former Rangers and Sunderland striker McCoist was also left blown away by the Toon ace in 2023-24. The 61-year-old hailed Howe for refining Gordon’s defensive output since joining from Everton.

“Outstanding, Anthony Gordon, going both ways,” he added. “That is the one thing I have noticed about him this year.

“He has always been good going forward but, in terms of his work rate and tracking back, all-round team effort, team player, Eddie has obviously worked on that with him and he has listened. That’s a major, major attribute he has done this season.”