Anthony Gordon has already offered Barcelona another option through the middle after claiming he can play as a No. 9 following his impressive debut.

The England international came off the bench to provide two assists as Barcelona began their LaLiga title defence with a 5-0 win over Elche.

Gordon joined Barcelona from Newcastle United for a reported 70m euros on a five-year contract and was introduced in the 65th minute, replacing Lamine Yamal on the left.

The 25-year-old needed two minutes to make an impact, finding Raphinha for Barcelona’s third goal before setting up Fermin Lopez four minutes later.

Raphinha scored twice, while Lopez also found the net on two occasions and Karim Adeyemi marked his debut with a goal.

Gordon’s arrival is part of Barcelona’s efforts to add more depth to their attack, with the club also bringing in Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu this summer.

However, they remain interested in finding another centre-forward, with Julian Alvarez among their preferred targets.

A move for the Atletico Madrid striker is proving difficult, though, leaving Gordon’s ability to operate centrally potentially even more useful to Hansi Flick.

Asked if he could fill the No. 9 role, Gordon was clear about his willingness to do so.

“Yeah of course, I played there last year a lot. I played really well I thought,” he said.

“I have got different strengths to a typical No. 9. I can come and go and link play. I can do it. I like to play there.”

Striker a familiar role for Gordon

Although Gordon is primarily a left winger, he was regularly used through the middle during his time under Eddie Howe at Newcastle.

His versatility could therefore give Flick another option as he manages his attacking players throughout the season.

Gordon also showed an unselfish side for his second assist.

He had the chance to shoot himself after breaking forward, but instead squared the ball to Lopez, leaving his team-mate with a simple finish.

The decision highlighted Gordon’s willingness to put Barcelona’s result ahead of his own goal tally.

“I think it’s the right decision,” he said.

“If Fermin had the ball and I was in his position I would want him to pass, I think it’s the correct football decision.

“We’re a team, it’s not about me scoring.”