Jacob Murphy’s future and what his role may be this season was discussed by Chris Waugh on Pod on the Tyne.
Murphy was linked with a move north of the border this summer to Rangers but instead, he was handed a new contract to keep him at his boyhood club for at least another six years and after his regular appearances towards the back end of last season, it was a smart decision to tie him down.
Will Newcastle be relegated this season?
Yes!
No!
Last season, Murphy ranked in the top four in many attacking aspects, including the number of times he progressed the ball forward, carries into the final third and the number of times he carried the ball towards the opposition’s goal, which highlights his importance and willingness to get forward.
Waugh discussed what this upcoming season may look like for Murphy.
“It seems that very much, Jacob Murphy’s in pole position to start the season as right wing-back, and that looks to be his position going forward. I think that he is the most improved player that Newcastle have in the last year or so.
“[He’s] developed into that right wing-back role really well, I think he’s really improved defensively, because first half of last season, he was struggling, but he’s brought a lot more know-how and nous to that position.
“He’s signed a new contract, and it sounds sort of cliche in many ways, but when you just watch the videos – there was a video that NUFC TV did with him over the summer where they were showing photos of him when he was young and also playing for Newcastle, and just that passion really does shine through.
“It can’t help but sort of make you just warm to him even more, and I really, really hope that Jacob Murphy continues to do well.”
TIF Thoughts on Murphy…
Murphy has struggled for consistency during his time on Tyneside having been shipped out on two loan spells since joining the club back in 2017, but last season, Bruce put him into a new wing-back role with Waugh claiming that it will be Murphy’s position going forward.
The 26-year-old wideman provides an obvious attacking threat, but he has also improved his ability in his own defensive third as he managed to win the highest amount of tackles out of any other player in the squad last season which shows he is taking advice on board and willing to learn and adapt to a new position.