‘The manager rates that’ - Newcastle United’s unsung star on dramatic transformation
Jacob Murphy has revealed he made a conscious effort to become the best right-winger possible to forge a successful career at Newcastle United.
One of the first names on Eddie Howe’s team sheet, the 29-year-old has endured a roller-coaster ride at St James’ Park. Murphy arrived following Premier League promotion under Rafa Benitez eight years ago and has rarely been a first-team starter.
Deployed on either flank or at full-back, the former Norwich City man spent time on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday. He looked destined for the exit door during Steve Bruce’s reign and few could have predicted that, three years into the Saudi-backed era, Murphy would still be here.
But the winger is now thriving alongside Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak as part of Howe’s three-pronged attack. Murphy has opened up about how he zoned in on his game to become a vital Newcastle asset.
“If you look at last year, from January to the end of the season, I was in good form then,” he said. “I’ve just carried that on and been getting a lot more minutes now. It’s shown in my goal contributions. I don’t solely base my game on that because I like to pride myself on out-of-possession work.
“All of the ugly work that wingers don’t usually enjoy, I quite enjoy. The manager rates that in my game and I’m happy to do it. It’s very common in the game (to play on the opposite flank).
“I identified a couple of years ago that I’m not left-footed, I’m not inverted and I can’t come in and finish off my left. So what did I need to do to make being a right-footed, right-winger work?
“That was to really hone in on my crossing and positioning to really provide (for others). I can chip in with the goals but, if I’m providing, that’s where the value comes.”