Could this player be the X-factor out wide for Newcastle United?

Newcastle United are in desperate need of a spark following a one-sided loss vs. Chelsea. With Javier Manquillo out for an extended period of time due to an ankle injury, Emil Krafth started at right-back against the Blues and struggled mightily against Timo Werner and his pace. That could allow for Steve Bruce to turn to a different option, changing the makeup of the squad.

Outside of Krafth, Jacob Murphy is the other player that can fill in at right-back for Manquillo. Unlike his Swedish teammate, Murphy is naturally a winger. He’s also the quicker player and would add a new dynamic to the starting unit.

To be fair, neither Krafth or Murphy are consistent, Premier League-quality defenders. But, if you’re going to lack a surefire lockdown player at right-back, you might as well turn to the option that brings more to the attack.

In 18 total appearances (11 starts) across all competitions this season, Murphy has two goals and two assists. He hasn’t played since 1/30, but that could allow for his fresh legs to boost a club that needs it in a major way.

Bruce should plug Murphy in at right-back, starting with the Man Utd match. This season, Newcastle have only three clean sheet victories. Based on that, the Magpies are likely going to have to score more than one goal to come away with the result and Murphy would be a better weapon offensively than Krafth.

We know that Murphy will put in the effort defensively and then he can combine with whoever is playing on the right wing in the attack or fire in a cross of his own.

Without Callum Wilson, Newcastle will need a team effort in the final third to find goals. Adding Murphy to the starting XI allows for another player to get involved and try to make plays for the offensively-challenged Magpies.