Anthony Gordon wastes no time making his mark

Anthony Gordon made a dream Barcelona debut on Sunday night, coming off the bench to inspire a 5-0 demolition of Elche at the Estadio Martínez Valero as Hansi Flick's side began the defence of their La Liga title in stunning fashion.

The England international was forced to watch on from the bench at the start of the contest in Alicante, but was introduced for his debut during the second half. He wasted little time in providing the Barcelona faithful with a glimpse of his talents, laying on a pair of assists within just six minutes of stepping onto the pitch.

Unselfish genius for a tap-in

His second assist came in altogether unselfish fashion. With Gordon clear on goal, the former Newcastle man opted to lay the ball off to new attacking partner-in-crime Fermín López for a simple tap-in rather than going for goal himself.

Afterwards, López was in turn keen to make his appreciation known. Taking to the comments section of his teammate's latest Instagram post, the Spain midfielder wrote: 'Thank you bro' accompanied by a pair of emojis.

Happy to lead the line as No. 9

Speaking after the match, Gordon was asked if he could take over the No. 9 spot this season, and he made clear he relishes the responsibility.

"Yeah of course, I played there last year a lot. I played really well I thought," he told ESPN. "I have got different strengths to a typical No. 9. I can come and go and link play. I can do it. I like to play there."

The forward also defended his decision to set up López rather than take the chance himself.

"I think it's the right decision," he added. "If Fermín [López] 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."

The cameo was nothing short of superb for a player making his first steps in Blaugrana red and blue, and Barcelona supporters will be eager to see far more of their new signing in the weeks to come.