Newcastle United

Solano praises Newcastle winger Murphy

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Image for Solano praises Newcastle winger Murphy

Former Newcastle United favourite Nobby Solano has singled out winger Jacob Murphy as having the potential to become a key player for the Magpies this season.

Youngster Murphy arrived at the club last summer for £12million from Norwich City but has yet to really get going at St. James’ Park, scoring just once and registering just one assist in 33 games for the club.

The 23-year-old, who stands at 5ft 8in [Transfermarkt], has come in for some criticism for his displays but Solano believes that he will become a star for Newcastle in the near future.

In a column for the Chronicle, he said: “For me Jacob Murphy could be a key player for United if he puts his mind to it. He’s got the pace and the potential, believe me.

“There were a couple of situations on Saturday where he just needed to look up and see what the options were. But he’ll get better because he’s got a good attitude.”

OPINION

This is big praise for Murphy coming from a cult hero at St. James’ Park. The young forward has really struggled to make an impact for the Magpies since his big-money move from the Canaries last summer, and you can’t help but feel as though the big fee is weighing heavy on his shoulders. It is clear that the boyhood Magpies fan has the potential to be a brilliant player, but his inconsistent performances are a source of huge frustration for Newcastle fans at the moment. As pointed out by Solano, his pace is a huge asset, and should he learn to improve all the other aspects of his game then he will become a seriously dangerous prospect for Premier League defences. Hopefully Murphy can heed Solano’s words and continue to work on his game, and because he does have the right attitude, that is more than likely to happen. 

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