Eddie Howe astounded by ‘excellent’ Newcastle player’s composure vs Chelsea

Add as preferred source on Google

Some of Newcastle United’s academy players got valuable minutes against Chelsea on Wednesday night, including Alex Murphy.

The 19-year-old started the game on the bench, but was quickly brought on when Fabian Schar limped off with a hamstring problem.

That forced a reshuffle at the back, with Dan Burn joining Sven Botman in the middle and Murphy slotting in at left-back.

It was a big ask for the Irish teenager, who is yet to make his senior debut for the Magpies. But he more than held his own during the 1-1 draw, and received praise from Kieran Trippier after the game.

Now Eddie Howe has provided his assessment of Murphy’s performance, and it is fair to say he was very pleased with the young defender.

Eddie Howe ‘really pleased’ with Alex Murphy against Chelsea

After the game, Howe spoke to NUFC TV. He was asked to offer his opinion on Murphy’s showing against Chelsea.

“I thought he was excellent, really really good,” he said.

“It’s a very tough environment to come into, especially slightly out of position. But he was very composed, defended really well. I was really really pleased with him.

“I’ve always liked Alex. I think he’s a very good technician. But it’s really when you find out about players when you’re in this environment – full crowd, Premier League opposition. He can be very pleased with his night’s work.”

One for Newcastle’s future

Murphy certainly did not look out of place on Wednesday night. He filled in brilliantly on the left of defence, despite primarily being a centre-back.

But he does have experience as a left-back from his time with Galway, and it certainly showed at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The youngster is yet to make his senior debut for the Magpies, but has been in and around the first-team ever since he joined the club last year.

Howe is clearly very fond of Murphy, so hopefully he is someone who can break into the Premier League side in the years to come. He is a versatile defender which makes him very valuable, and perhaps it won’t be long before he makes his competitive debut in black and white.

Coming on against Chelsea was a big test, but he passed with flying colours. Howe was delighted, and that should result in him playing more minutes in the buildup to the new Premier League campaign.