It’s been a pretty positive international break for Newcastle United, with a player that former Manchester City star Micah Richards has praised highly.
Newcastle star shines on international duty
Unsurprisingly, Nick Waltemaide has been in the headlines as Newcastle’s main name. The German has continued his good form from club level, scoring for his country in the win over Northern Ireland. Newcastle’s competitive record currently stands at five goals since arriving at St James’ Park and it looks like he won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
It was also a big international break for Bruno Guimarães. The Brazilian started both games for his country, defeating South Korea 5-0, but suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat against Japan. However, the fact that he remained in the starting XI as Carlo Ancelotti’s reign began bodes well for the 2026 World Cup.
However, there was one player who certainly did not enjoy his time away from Tyneside. That’s Anthony Elanga. The winger was part of a struggling Sweden team that is yet to win a World Cup qualifier, only to see his country’s misery continue with defeats against Kosovo and Switzerland.
Given that the former Nottingham Forest winger is yet to score for Newcastle, the last thing he wanted was any further frustration for his country. He and Eddie Howe will be hoping for an upturn in form when the Magpies return.
However, the same is not true for one of his teammates, who is starting to rediscover his best form and is starting to earn some well-deserved praise as a result.
Micah Richards: Gordon is ‘next level’ compared to Rashford
Richards, who was in awe of the Newcastle winger who scored his second goal for England in a 5-0 win over Latvia, insisted Gordon was “next level” to Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United on a £12m-a-year deal.
Richards praised Gordon, saying: “I think Gordon. I think Gordon. So I was talking about Rashford because Rashford is doing well at Barcelona. Like I mentioned, but Gordon, I think he has taken his game to the next level.”
“I think he was always a confident kid. He could always go either way. He played a little bit forward in that No. 9 role. He played a little bit up front in that No. 9 role.”
“He’s definitely best out, out wide, but I think his last ball is a lot better. Remember, when he goes down that side, he comes off his left foot. But some of the balls he put in tonight were a lot better than we’ve seen in the past. So I think he did well tonight.”