Manchester City have been linked with two prominent English talents this summer, raising the question of which player would be a better fit for Pep Guardiola’s style of play: Eberechi Eze or Anthony Gordon?
City’s interest in Eze has been a topic of speculation throughout the summer, especially after his release clause reportedly expired on Friday. Despite this, City may still pursue the Crystal Palace star, particularly after the departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid. Alvarez’s exit has freed up funds and created a vacancy in City’s forward line, making Eze an attractive option.
Eze had a standout season last year, contributing 15 goals and assists in 27 Premier League appearances. His performances earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s UEFA Euro 2024 squad, further solidifying his status as one of England’s rising stars. Crystal Palace, however, will be reluctant to lose another key player after already selling Michael Olise, who recently made his first assist for Bayern Munich.
So far, Guardiola has only added one new first-team player to his squad this transfer window—Savinho, a right-winger from Troyes. This has led to speculation that City could be preparing for a big-money signing before the window closes. The £60 million release clause for Eze, while now expired, was considered a fair price given his age and Premier League experience. With the £82 million from Alvarez’s sale, City would have had ample funds to secure Eze with money left over.
Another player reportedly on City’s radar is Anthony Gordon. While there has been no formal approach to Newcastle, Gordon’s performances last season have caught the eye. Liverpool were also rumored to be interested in the winger earlier in the window, but a move to Anfield now seems unlikely, especially after Liverpool’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi fell through.
Both Eze and Gordon are dynamic, attacking players who can energize a crowd, but how do their stats compare from last season?
Attacking Comparison
Both players are primarily left-sided attackers, but their playing styles differ. Gordon is more of a traditional winger who relies on pace and direct runs at defenders, often backing himself to beat them one-on-one. Eze, on the other hand, combines speed with trickery and skill, making him a more versatile dribbler.
In terms of goal-scoring, both players ended the 2023-24 season with 11 goals. However, Gordon outshone Eze in the assists department, registering ten compared to Eze’s four. Gordon has faced criticism in the past for his lack of end product at Everton, but he significantly improved last season. At 23, he still has room to grow and could surpass these numbers in the coming years. Eze, at 26, is closer to his peak, but there’s still potential for him to enhance his goal contributions.
Creativity is crucial in Guardiola’s system, and Gordon led the way last season with 16 ‘big chances’ created, compared to just seven for Eze. However, it’s important to note that Eze played eight fewer league games. When it comes to passing accuracy, a hallmark of City’s possession-based style, Eze slightly edged out Gordon with an 83.90% pass completion rate compared to Gordon’s 81.78%.
Gordon was more forward-thinking in his passing, recording 203 progressive passes to Eze’s 190. Interestingly, Gordon also made fewer backward passes, with 241 compared to Eze’s 248, indicating a more aggressive approach in moving the ball upfield.
Defensive Comparison
While both players are primarily known for their offensive abilities, Guardiola demands defensive contributions from all his players. In this area, Eze leads in interceptions, with 11 compared to Gordon’s seven last season. Eze also registered more blocks, with two to Gordon’s none.
However, Gordon stands out in tackling, a crucial defensive stat in Guardiola’s system. Gordon made 55 tackles last season, with 35 being successful. In contrast, Eze made 35 tackles, with 17 successful attempts. This defensive prowess could be a decisive factor in determining which player might better suit City’s needs.
Ultimately, both Eze and Gordon bring different strengths to the table, making the decision a tough one for Guardiola and City. While Eze offers skill and creativity, Gordon’s directness and defensive work rate make him a compelling alternative.
