It’s time to acknowledge it. Put an end to the hunt. I admit that I’m just as guilty as everybody else for requiring Newcastle United to get a top-tier right winger. We stated it last summer, and as of this month, we are already examining the candidates they plan to hire for that role come summertime.
The fact is, though, that it has long been clear that they might already have a premier league player in that position. The impact that Jacob Murphy has had on this outstanding United team is just too great to overlook.
Maybe it’s because we’ve witnessed him lie for far too many seasons, yet you can’t ignore what he’s doing at the moment. The glaring statistic sums everything up. His assist for the Swede’s second goal at Southampton was the seventh time the two players have worked together to achieve a successful result this season, and no two players in the Premier League have collaborated for more goals than Murphy and Alexander Isak.
Murphy is currently one of United’s most important players heading forward, having contributed eight assists and three goals this season. How much is Murphy currently worth if Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo, and Anthony Elanga are valued at £50 million or more, and some estimates have been far higher?
He has completely embraced Eddie Howe’s philosophy and work ethic, which has helped him go from being a valuable squad member to a mainstay in the first team. We’ve seen what Howe and his coaching team have done with Joelinton and Fabian Schar, two players from a bygone age who are now playing a significant role in an exciting future, so I guess we shouldn’t be too shocked.
Why should we be shocked by Murphy’s ascension when we’re still seeing how Anthony Gordon has reached his full potential and how Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have developed quickly under the United coaches’ tutelage?
Five years ago, he would have flourished. Recall that Rafa Benitez signed this player. In February, Murphy will turn 30. It’s scarcely time to let him go, but the team and the player will know that time is not on their side. But that isn’t an issue in the near future.
Given the current PSR and FFP constraints, United has to make difficult financial decisions. Murphy’s form and, more importantly, consistency indicate that they could be better off investing elsewhere, even though there are younger and more exciting options available on the right side.
That lost opportunity at Vicarage Road in a 1-1 draw at Watford shortly before the takeover was finalized seems like a very long time ago. In the last moments, Murphy shot tamely at the Hornets keeper one-on-one with Ben Foster. This is definitely the pinnacle of his time at Newcastle, if that was the lowest point. Additionally, it might still significantly affect United’s summer transfer intentions.
Read More: Sportupdates.co.uk
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