Is Vakhtang Salia the Next Anthony Gordon for Newcastle?

After suffering defeats in their recent league and cup matches, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United is determined to get back on track as they face West Ham United on Monday night.

Securing a crucial victory in the Premier League would significantly boost the Magpies’ confidence ahead of their EFL Cup final clash against Liverpool. They know that anything can happen in a single game at Wembley.

Regardless of the outcome against Liverpool, Newcastle will have to proceed without Anthony Gordon, who is suspended.

Gordon’s Growing Influence at Newcastle

While Alexander Isak has frequently grabbed headlines for his impressive offensive performances this season, Gordon is equally vital to Howe’s squad at St James’ Park.

Isak is currently the Premier League’s top scorer for Newcastle with 16 goals. However, Gordon, at 24, is in second place with six league goals and five assists.

Gordon’s ascent has been rapid. When Newcastle signed him for a hefty £45 million in January 2023, he was seen as a raw talent. He had only scored seven goals in 78 appearances for Everton’s first team.

This season alone, playing in a more comfortable environment, Gordon has nearly surpassed his total goal count for his boyhood club and has become a prominent Premier League player at Newcastle.

The table above illustrates Gordon’s significant development at Newcastle. Howe is hoping that another emerging talent can emulate the England international’s trajectory.

Howe Seeks the Next Gordon at St James’ Park

Gordon is not the only player who has greatly improved under Howe’s guidance. Young players like Lewis Miley and William Osula are also being given regular opportunities to make an impact as part of Newcastle’s next generation.

Vakhtang Salia is another lesser-known player who could soon emerge in Newcastle’s senior team. Journalist Graeme Bailey recently described him as ‘one of the best teenage prospects in the world’.

Manchester City and Arsenal were previously interested in the Georgian attacker, but Newcastle secured the 17-year-old’s signature from FC Dinamo Tbilisi in August.

Similar to Gordon at Everton, Salia arrives with considerable hype. Despite his young age, the Georgia U21 international has already scored seven goals for Tbilisi’s senior team, indicating his potential.

Everyone at Newcastle hopes Salia will bring a fresh dynamic to the first team, inspired by the progress of Miley and Osula.

Salia, who can also play as a striker, provides Newcastle with another attacking option, potentially mirroring Gordon’s development on the wings.

While the surrounding hype could be challenging for Salia, Newcastle fans are hoping that another exceptional young player is about to be discovered.