In England, sometimes intensity can cover up mistakes

Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon explained that there’s less scope for mistakes in La Liga going unpunished than in the Premier League after arriving from Newcastle United.

Gordon, 25, has made an impressive start to life in a new league, providing three assists in as many games. The England international made an instant impression, registering two assists in Barca’s La Liga campaign-opening 5-0 victory at Elche last month.

Although he’s yet to score for his new club, Gordon provided an assist as Hansi Flick’s side made it three wins out of three by beating Rayo Vallecano 5-2 at home at the weekend.

“I’m not going to deny that the Premier League is incredibly intense,” Gordon said (as per SPORT).

“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. They’re used to that kind of chaos.”

Explaining the technical differences between the Premier League and La Liga, Gordon – who arrived this summer at the Camp Nou on a reported £80 million move – added:

“I loved playing in the Premier League, and it played a huge role in my development, but Spanish football demands a different level of tactical and technical intelligence. In England, sometimes intensity can cover up mistakes. You can miscontrol the ball and still recover by winning the next physical battle.

“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.”

Gordon and Co. are atop the La Liga standings after three games, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference.

What’s next for Barcelona?

Barcelona have made a superb start to the new season, winning their opening three La Liga games, keeping two clean sheets, to surge to the top of the points table.

Hansi Flick’s side will look to continue their winning run when they next visit Valencia on Saturday (September 5). The two-time defending champions are looking to complete a three-peat for the first time since 2011.

The Blaugrana beat arch-rivals Real Madrid to the last two La Liga titles, finishing eight and four points ahead, respectively. They also beat Los Blancos in the final to win the Supercopa de Espana.

Edited by Bhargav