Anthony Gordon will be one of the key players for England as they take on Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday.
Having played football in Spain for a few months now, Gordon has found fresh perspective on how football is played outside of England, and had notably compared La Liga with the Premier League earlier in the season.
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Now, Gordon has once again spoken out about the differences in English and Spanish styles of football.
Gordon fascinated by Spanish players
Gordon believes the ability of Spanish footballers to control matches through possession stems from a cultural difference that goes beyond systems or training.
Gordon has had a promising start to his Barcelona career. (Photo by Harriet Massey/Getty Images)
“I think that, culturally, it’s not just about that tournament or that match (against Argentina) where we couldn’t control the game,” he said (h/t SPORT).
“England, as a nation, doesn’t have that strength that the Spanish have, who control matches like they do.”
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The Barcelona forward admitted his time in Spain has opened his eyes to a difference he had not fully appreciated before.
“It’s not something innate; I’m not sure it can be taught. Having played in Spain, I can speak from experience, and the way they control the ball is different.
“It’s very different from anything I’ve experienced playing in this country. I don’t think we can ever achieve it,” he said.
He was particularly struck by the decision-making of Spanish players, adding that they are a different breed of footballers.
“Sometimes, I even watch some of the decisions Spanish players make with the ball and think, ‘I don’t know how they saw it.’ It’s just their way; I don’t know what it is, something we may never be able to define. They are definitely different,” Gordon added.
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A plea for English identity
Gordon feels everyone is imitating the Spanish football. (Photo by Harriet Massey/Getty Images)
Despite his admiration for the Spanish game, Gordon urged England not to try to copy their style, instead championing their own footballing identity.
“I feel like we’re trying to imitate Spain. Since I’m in Spain now, I know we have equally good players, but with different qualities.
“Why try to make English players the same as Spanish players? Because the Spanish lack things that we have, and vice versa,” he pointed out.
The winger insisted England should embrace their own strengths.
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“I think as a country we need to stop looking outwards and be proud of who we are, what we are, and what we have, and stop comparing ourselves to other countries, because we are English.
“We are not Spanish or French, or other countries that have been successful,” he said.
Finally, Gordon noted that fans in each nation appreciate their respective styles and therefore, England must stick to its roots.
“I feel that English fans want to see English football, and in Spain they appreciate the Spanish style,” he concluded.
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