Anthony Gordon admits he is still adapting to the demands of Spanish football after revealing that mistakes can be punished more quickly in LaLiga than in the Premier League.
The England international joined Barcelona from Newcastle this summer and has made a positive start, registering three assists in his first three league appearances.
Gordon says the move has required him to adjust to a more tactical and technical style of football, with less room for error.
“I loved playing in the Premier League and it played a huge part in my development,” Gordon said.
“But Spanish football demands a different level of tactical and technical intelligence.
“In England, the intensity can sometimes mask a mistake. You can miss control the ball and still make up for it by winning the next physical battle. Here, a poor first touch or a lapse in concentration regarding your positioning can be punished immediately.
“The spaces are smaller, decisions have to be made more quickly and everything has to be more precise.”
Gordon scored 39 goals in 152 appearances during just over three seasons at Newcastle after beginning his senior career at Everton.
Gordon: Premier League sides would struggle in Spain
The 25-year-old believes some Premier League sides would struggle to consistently adopt the style of football seen in Spain.
“Some Premier League teams would struggle to play this style consistently because they might not have the patience or the quality in midfield that is required,” he added.
“I won’t deny that the Premier League is incredibly intense. The pace is relentless, there are physical battles everywhere, long throw-ins, corner kicks and plenty of contact.
“That’s why many English players believe it’s the best league in the world. They’re used to that sort of chaos. Football in Spain is different.”
Gordon has yet to score for Barcelona but has provided three assists in three league games.
He made his second consecutive league start in Monday’s 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano, setting up Raphinha for Barcelona’s fourth goal.
