We recently caught up with former Liverpool and Newcastle winger John Barnes who shared his thoughts on the form of striker Alexander Isak. Barnes also assessed two wingers in his namesake Harvey Barnes and former Evertonian Anthony Gordon.
In this article:
- Isak is good enough to play for Arsenal
- Gordon likely to miss out out on Euros according to Barnes
- Barnes hopes his namesake Harvey can stay fit going forward
Isak is good enough to play for Arsenal
Despite Newcastle not quite reaching the heights of last season, it’s been an impressive sophomore season for striker Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Tottenham amid rumours could be under pressure to sanction his exit due to their financial concerns. Barnes is confident that Iska should continue his development at Newcastle but does believe that Isak is good enough to play for a club like Arsenal.
“Isak can certainly continue his development at Newcastle. They’re a growing club and unless he’s going to United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal or City which I don’t think he will as much as I think he could, why not be at Newcastle.
“Newcastle are an ambitious club and it’s exciting times. He’s showing what he can do so why not stay at the club and help their growth.
“Arsenal are said to be interested in Isak but he is similar to what Arsenal already have but he’s a very, very, very good player who could play at that level.”
Has Anthony Gordon done enough to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad? Gordon, was named player of the tournament as England won the Under-21 European Championship last year and has taken said form into his club performances this season. Gordon has since made his international debut for England against Brazil and will be hoping to be selected by manager Gareth Southgate come summer.
Gordon likely to miss out out on Euros according to Barnes
“Look at the attacking side players that England have. Gordon has had a great season but are you going to leave out Grealish, Foden, Rashford who are ahead of Gordon?
“England’s concerns are more to do with the centre back and defensive midfielders areas. He has had a good season but I think there are players ahead of him.”
Barnes hopes his namesake Harvey can stay fit going forward
Whilst Isak and Gordon have enjoyed good individual seasons, it’s certainly been a tough season for winger Harvey Barnes. His time on Tyneside has been ravaged by injuries since his £38 million arrival from Leicester City. However Barnes came off the bench against West Ham a few weeks ago to steer Newcastle to a 4-3 win, in what could be a pivotal moment in his career at the club. John Barnes hopes his namesake can now stay fit going forward.
“It’s been a frustrating time because he came from Leicester and has suffered some injuries but he’s shown his quality and hopefully he can stay fit.”
