Anthony Gordon handed key role at Barcelona that speaks volumes weeks after making debut

Anthony Gordon has already been handed a major dressing room role at Barcelona, just weeks after making his debut for the La Liga giants.

The 25-year-old has hit the ground running at the Camp Nou, registering four assists in just five appearances for his new club. Gordon has also proved popular among supporters with his eagerness to ingratiate himself and learn both Spanish and Catalan, while he has worked just as hard on the pitch.

It is not only among supporters that he is well regarded. Gordon has reportedly been handed a major role within the dressing room leadership group alongside the likes of Pedri and Rodri. It speaks volumes about his character that he has earned such appreciation in such a short space of time.

Read more: Anthony Gordon hands Barcelona unexpected boost worth millions after just five games for the club

Anthony Gordon handed major Barcelona role

Gordon is already a popular dressing room figure at Barcelona, with his command of Spanish helping him adapt to his new surroundings.

A report from Ara claims the former Newcastle and Everton forward has been integrated into a dressing room group alongside Pedri, Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, Joan Garcia and Rodri, rather than fellow foreign stars such as Frenkie de Jong and Wojciech Szczesny.

It has also been revealed that Gordon is taking Catalan lessons twice a week, having chosen to learn the language out of respect for the club, supporters and culture rather than because it is a requirement.

Barcelona supporters chanted his name during the recent 5-2 thrashing of Rayo Vallecano, with his teammates telling him that it is unusual for a new signing to win over supporters as quickly as he has.

The report also claims that Gordon is "very clear" about his role in the Barcelona team and fully understands what head coach Hansi Flick demands from him.

Read more: Barcelona record-setter worth more than Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi combined after huge club decision

Barcelona delighted with Anthony Gordon signing

Barcelona sporting director Deco is delighted with the immediate impact Gordon has made at the club and believes he is the perfect fit for what they wanted under Flick.

The Catalan giants had the option to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford permanently for £30 million in the summer but instead opted to sign Gordon in a deal worth roughly £69 million.

"We are extremely grateful to Rashford," Deco told Catalan radio station RAC1. "He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony's. His style fits with what the coach is looking for.

"In the case of Gordon, we saw that he was one of the figures we needed. When Raphinha wasn't on the pitch, the team lost energy and with him we could solve it. The big advantage we had is that the player wanted to come and he was able to put pressure [on Newcastle to be allowed to leave].

"We had a clear idea of what we were looking for. We needed more intensity. We analysed a lot of wingers. Signing someone from the Premier League is almost impossible, but [Flick] was clear about what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there."

Read more: Marcus Rashford receives explanation from Barcelona over decision to snub him for Anthony Gordon