Alex Murphy is one of multiple Newcastle United youngsters who have enhanced their reputation this summer.
Eddie Howe has given a lot of minutes to players from the academy during pre-season, with Elliot Anderson proving to be the star of the show.
While he was in the first-team last season, it now looks like he is really ready to make a major impression at St James’ Park.
He was joined in midfield by Lewis Miley, who also caught the eye this summer. At the age of 17, he is already a special talent. It is no surprise that he is being showered with praise by the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff.
Anderson and Miley have been the two standouts, but there were also some very strong performances from Alex Murphy. He has only been with the club for a year, arriving from Galway United last summer.
The 19-year-old did very well against Chelsea out in America, delighting Howe with his performance. He was then rewarded with a start on Saturday, as he played at centre-back alongside Sven Botman for the Sela Cup clash with Fiorentina.
Murphy looked solid during the friendly, and clearly benefitted from the advice that he received from his Toon teammates.
Sven Botman really helped Newcastle teenager
The Irish defender has spoke to the club’s official website about the game against Fiorentina, and shared what Botman told him in the dressing room before the game.
“I was really pleased with how it went and to keep a clean sheet was great and hopefully there are many more appearances to come,” he said.
“Playing in front of big atmospheres is what you look forward to as a player. When the crowd is up, it gives you a lift too. It wasn’t even full but the noise they make and the atmosphere they created was unreal to play in front of.
“The defenders helped me so much. They were all giving me tips when I’m on the ball and just before the games, helping me to relax. They all did so well last season so to learn from them and play beside them was an unreal experience.
“I was sitting beside Sven (Botman) in the dressing room and he was giving me tips, telling me to be relaxed as I normally would and treat is a normal game even it was in front of 36,000 fans at St. James! They all really helped and they’re great in that way.”
More to come from Alex Murphy
Botman is still a young man himself at 23, so it is excellent to hear how he helped Murphy ahead of Saturday’s game.
His words certainly made a difference, as the duo helped Newcastle keep a clean sheet and win 2-0 against Fiorentina.
Murphy did really well, and will now be looking to make his competitive Toon debut in the near future. It sounds like he will be in and around the group, so hopefully he gets a chance to feature soon.
He is certainly one for the future, and is another young player who could go on to become a Newcastle United regular in the coming years.
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