ANTHONY GORDON is unlikely to be savoring a glass of Rioja while gearing up for his El Clasico debut tonight.

However, aside from enjoying some red wine, this rare English talent at Camp Nou has garnered admiration from his last truly successful English predecessor.

Before Marcus Rashford’s loan last season, Gary Lineker was the last Englishman to transfer to Barcelona, a move he made in 1986.

Having just come off an impressive World Cup with England that summer, Lineker embraced the local culture, and he is pleased to see Gordon following suit.

During Lineker’s era, acclimating involved enjoying afternoon siestas, late dinners, and sharing a bottle of red with teammates on match days.

While Gordon’s approach might be more contemporary, both players understood the importance of learning the language. Gordon surprised many when he confidently spoke at his unveiling over the summer, and his performance on the pitch has been steadily impressive.

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Lineker shared with SunSport: “He clearly knew he was going there for a little while, so he studied the language.

“I’ve heard him give a few interviews, and he’s pretty good. To achieve that level of proficiency so quickly is genuinely impressive.

“Even though English is almost an international football language these days, it is appreciated both on and off the pitch, and it holds value in the dressing rooms.

“Many footballers are multilingual, but unfortunately, not many English players are. That says a lot about his preparation for this role.

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“Dressing rooms are pretty similar worldwide.

“It’s not just English dressing rooms; the banter is universal. If you don’t understand the dynamics, it can make you feel like an outsider. So, I always thought it was essential to adapt to the local lifestyle.”

Lineker’s commitment extended beyond just learning the language, as he embraced life in Barcelona.

He added: “Culturally, I turned down all sorts of invitations to expat gatherings, which was common back then. I aimed to speak English only at home.

“The sleep routine involved splitting hours with siestas, but I had no issue adjusting to the diet. I enjoyed a lot of the seafood and other local cuisine.

“The team culture was also unique. At that time, they would stay in a hotel before games, what they referred to as ‘concentration,’ a practice not seen at English clubs.

“Prior to every match, we would gather at a hotel for dinner, where all players would eat together. While it wasn’t overly serious, it was crucial for everyone.

“Seating arrangements were important; four players per table, and you had to switch tables each time.

“It sounds odd, but we used to share a bottle of red. I’m not sure if they still do, but back then, a Rioja was always present on the table, even four or five hours before kickoff.

“This bottle would be consumed between the four players at the table, at both dinner the night before and lunch on game day.

“It was thought to aid in sleeping during the siesta prior to the match, which I can confirm it did. However, I imagine English players would fight over additional bottles.”

He shared further thoughts: “It all contributes to accelerating your learning process. I had done some research on successful English players abroad before my move, and it was evident that those who made an effort to learn the language performed better than those who did not.”

Gordon may only need to glance at his opponent today for another example, with Jude Bellingham quickly mastering Spanish to win over hearts in Madrid.

However, no player in Spain has ever sought Lineker’s advice on making such a transition. Rashford did consult him during an interview in Barcelona last year, but that is the extent of it.

The Rest is Football presenter humorously noted: “They might be a bit shy.”

It seems that Lineker would be a valuable resource for Gordon as he prepares for his first Clasico at Camp Nou.

Lineker’s first encounter with Real Madrid was at the Bernabeu, but his home game against Los Blancos could not have been more perfect.

He recounted: “I scored two goals in the first five minutes. I got goosebumps from the noise; it was simply incredible. I ended up netting a hat-trick, and we managed to hold on for a win, thankfully.

“It was an experience like no other. I’ve scored in World Cups and various big matches, but in terms of the intensity, crowd atmosphere, and the significance of that fixture, nothing compares.

“Anthony will get to experience that this weekend; it promises to be special.”

Gordon’s transfer came as a surprise, especially with Bayern Munich aggressively pursuing him and an expectation that Rashford would remain in Spain for another season after winning the title.

However, those around the former Newcastle winger believe he never doubted his capability to break into the team and that this move has enhanced his game at all levels, including with England.

If they believe things have progressed well thus far, Gordon stands to elevate his status further tonight with a standout performance.

And if he were to seek a word of wisdom on how to achieve that, Lineker would advise: “Enjoy it. That’s the main thing. Honestly, there’s nothing to fear; just play your game.

“When I played, the stadium held 120,000 people, and practically everyone supported Barça. The atmosphere was unparalleled.

“We all know how the opposing fans can be, but as a professional player, you can’t let that affect your mindset. In big matches, you need to embrace the challenge. My advice? Relish it, enjoy it, and live it, because it’s an experience that’s unmatched.”