As Anthony Gordon momentarily trotted off the pitch at the Spotify Camp Nou and took a sip of water, the Barcelona supporters behind the goal chanted his name.

Gordon retorted by tapping the badge, a nodding acknowledgment that the love he was being shown was very much reciprocated.

There has always felt like a sense of destiny about Gordon’s career.

He has mapped out a path to domestic and international stardom, arriving in Barcelona speaking not only in Spanish but also Catalan.

His £69million move from Newcastle this summer was seemingly pre-ordained.

A big believer in manifestation and visualisation, pulling on the Barcelona shirt in front of a teeming crowd at the Spotify Camp Nou will have been a dream realised for the young kid from Kirkdale.

A blur of pace and intensity, he slots in superbly with the relentless expectations of a club looking for their third consecutive La Liga title this season.

Two assists on debut last weekend showcased his ability to expose tiring legs and he was rewarded with a first start and a first chance to take in the Spotify Camp Nou atmosphere against Athletic Club on Thursday evening.

For a team that won all 19 of their home league games last season, Gordon could be forgiven for feeling a tad daunted.

No chance. The 25-year-old was barking instructions, crafting chicaning moves from left to right and contesting every referee decision as Barcelona made light work of Athletic Club.

Gordon faced criticism back home. British audiences are often taken aback by vaulting ambition and the confidence to flaunt it.

Gordon, though, always appeared unfazed. While deeply invested in pushing Newcastle and Everton onto greater success, he seemed to have little time for the small-time paper talk that dictated his public perception back in England.

In Barcelona, though, he feels at home, where despite the volatile political state - there was no pre-match presentation for Barcelona’s World Cup winners due to the strong Catalan sentiment in the city - football takes precedent.

Football is a meritocracy and at Barcelona marauding wingers are made messiahs if they prove their ability and loyalty.

Substituted to a standing ovation, Gordon is quickly endearing himself to the Barcelona faithful. England have a superstar on Spanish shores and there is no doubt more to come.