OPINION
In the recent past, many Premier League loanees have dropped down to the Championship and inspired their teams to success.
The same can not be said about Newcastle United’s Jacob Murphy.
Players such as Tyrone Mings were seriously influential, the Bournemouth loanee dragging Aston Villa to promotion, beating fierce rivals West Brom in the playoff semi-finals.
Included in the Baggies squad was 24-year-old Jacob Murphy, on loan from the Magpies after failing to make an impact under Rafael Benitez since arriving from Norwich City in 2017.
Writing in an update on previous loanee’s futures at the club on the Chronicle, journalist Chris Waugh revealed that Benitez was highly impressed with Murphy in training at Newcastle.
The Spaniard was particularly impressed by the winger’s pace, stamina, and ability to use both feet. Despite this, Murphy has been poor since arriving at the club and must improve majorly before even being considered to be part of the plans at St James’ Park next season.
Murphy only managed to make a total of 28 appearances this season during spells at two separate clubs. Benitez’s reluctance to start the young winger proved that he is a long way off becoming a consistent star in the North East.
Making only three starts in the Premier League proves that much more is needed from the England youth international, who will need to adapt to the top flight quickly if he is to succeed next season.
One of the majorly disappointing aspects of the forward’s game is his goal involvement across his career. In his 27 appearances this season, Murphy only scored twice and added three assists.
This has to improve swiftly or the former Norwich youngster could find himself shipped back out to Championship once again – potentially on a permanent basis.