Barcelona may still be linked with moves for a traditional striker before the transfer window closes, but new arrival Anthony Gordon believes he has the versatile skill set required to lead the line as the club's number nine this season.

The England international made an immediate impression on his LaLiga debut during Hansi Flick's side's commanding 5-0 victory away at Elche. Entering the action in the 65th minute in place of Lamine Yamal, Gordon took merely two minutes to register his first goal involvement in Spanish football.

After strikes from Raphinha and fellow new recruit Karim Adeyemi had already put the Blaugrana in control, Gordon threaded a pinpoint pass through to Raphinha to make it 3-0 past Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro. The 25-year-old then set up Fermin Lopez for Barcelona's fourth, becoming the first player in the 21st century to record two assists on their LaLiga debut.

Ready to Spearhead the Attack

Barcelona saw significant departures in their forward department during the window, with Robert Lewandowski departing for MLS outfit Chicago Fire and Ferran Torres completing a switch to Paris Saint-Germain. While Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez remains linked with a move to Catalonia, Gordon is confident he can step up as the central focal point.

"Yeah, of course, I played there last year a lot. I played really well, I thought," Gordon said when asked about playing centrally. "I have got different strengths to a typical number nine. I can come and go and link play. I can do it. I like to play there."

Gordon joined Barcelona from Newcastle United in a reported €80m (£69.3m) transfer after three productive seasons at St James' Park. In 152 appearances for the Magpies, his 60 direct goal contributions were surpassed only by Alexander Isak (68). During the 2025-26 campaign, Gordon also scored 10 Champions League goals, becoming only the second Englishman after Harry Kane to reach double figures in a single tournament edition.

Team-First Mentality

Despite having a clear opportunity to get on the scoresheet himself when played through by Dani Olmo against Elche, Gordon opted to unselfishly square the ball to Fermin Lopez for an easy finish.

"I think it's the right decision," Gordon explained. "If Fermin had the ball, and I was in his position, I would want him to pass. I think it's the correct football decision. We're a team, it's not about me scoring."

Along with Gordon and Adeyemi, Barcelona have strengthened their attack with the signings of youngsters Jesse Bisiwu and Hamza Abdelkarim as they begin their title defense under Flick.