Newcastle United could get the best production from Jacob Murphy this season.
Jacob Murphy is one of those players who has a mixed reputation among Newcastle United fans. Some in the Toon Army see his potential as a Premier League midfielder, while others think he belongs in the second tier of English football.
Based on his impressive form with nine goals and six assists on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season, Murphy proved his worth in the Championship, but he can also excel in the top flight.
Former Toon boss Rafa Benitez gave Murphy several opportunities – 34 league appearances to be exact – to showcase his talent, but his inconsistency and low output led to consecutive loan departures.
Despite being shipped off to West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday, Murphy’s mentality was to use those opportunities as auditions for a place in the Magpies’ first team, not to earn a permanent move at the other clubs, and that is commendable.
Steve Bruce deserves credit for giving Murphy one last shot at Premier League football, and so far the 25-year-old has not disappointed. Murphy has already found the back of the net this season, and he has displayed his versatility by excelling out of position as a wing-back at times.
At 25, Murphy is entering his prime as a footballer, and it would be great to see him spend the best years of his career on Tyneside. Murphy’s impressive form over the last few months has attracted the attention of multiple clubs, the most notable being Rangers.
Bruce and the front office see what Murphy has to offer, and they are in the process of negotiating a new long-term deal for the midfielder who supported Newcastle United since he was a child, and it is the right decision.
Murphy still has a lot to prove on the pitch, but he could end up being one of the Magpies’ best midfielders this season with the full support of fans. His dedication to focusing on his development alone is worthy of more support.
Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin have struggled to contribute in the goal scoring department, but Murphy has what it takes to step up and make up for some of his teammates’ wasted opportunities.
Newcastle United fans are known for being supportive of several players, and now it’s time to get behind Murphy as he fights to claim his place at Newcastle United and earn the label of being a Premier League-quality player.