Gakpo currently has better underlying number then him.
Gakpo is at .59 XG+XGA with 3.29 shots per 90 in the pl
Gordon is at .53 XG +XGA with 2.57 shots per 90 in the PL.
Gordon also worse at Progressive passes too.
My point wasn’t around numbers, it was around dribbling in closer quarters, I’d say Gordon is a better dribbler than Gakpo and has better speed over all distances, with and without the ball.
But whilst you’ve gone there, it’s not a like for like, is it? One’s playing for a side that’s been top of the league most of the season, had the majority of the possession and chances in nearly every game they’ve played in, the other’s playing for Newcastle who have had their struggles throughout the season and don’t attack at will like we do for nearly 90 mins a game.
Mane’s last season at Southampton he hit 0.43 xg90 and 0.18 xa90, Gordon is currently 0.37 xg90 and 0.24 xa90, both possess elite athleticism and both can play across the front 3. By the way, I’m not wanting us to sign Gordon, I’m just saying if he wasn’t a blueshite he’d probably be someone very much on our radar given his combination of numbers, athleticism, age, physique and versatility. We obviously aren’t but he’s still a good player.