Eddie Howe says Newcastle United have a £12m player that ‘every team needs’

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Newcastle United has a new star who has hit good form when it matters for Eddie Howe.

December and January are undoubtedly the busiest times of the season. Still, Newcastle’s three wins on the bounce across the Premier League and Carabao Cup show that Eddie Howe’s side are well up to the challenge.

One man, in particular, has taken the busy period and Newcastle’s summer transfer failings in their stride. Jacob Murphy has three goals and as many assists in the league this season and is just two assists off matching his season best with over half the campaign to go.

It’s a massive boost for Howe after a difficult transfer window while Murphy received praise from teammate Alexander Isak after the Swede bagged a hat-trick in Newcastle’s win at Ipswich on Saturday.

Howe, understandably, is delighted with the 29-year-old’s efforts.

Eddie Howe praises Jacob Murphy’s team commitment

The Newcastle boss faced the press on Monday ahead of the game against Aston Villa on Boxing Day which was aired on Newcastle’s website. He was asked for his thoughts on Murphy’s recent performances.

“Jacob is very selfless, he always plays for the team,” he said.

“Really takes a buzz out of creating a goal, he has always been that way. Those qualities every team needs.”

Howe recently described Murphy as ‘excellent’ and now these comments back up his feelings towards the 29-year-old.

There’s a lot of thinking to do for Paul Mitchell regarding what the club does in the transfer market now. Murphy was named in Alan Shearer’s Team of the Week for a second week running and while Newcastle want a winger Murphy could save Mitchell a lot of money.

The buzz around the winger hasn’t stopped in Newcastle either, thanks to recent performances Gary Lineker called Murphy underrated and admitted he was a big admirer of his ability.

Jacob Murphy on track for a great season

In previous seasons fans will agree that Murphy hasn’t enjoyed the best runs of form in previous seasons but this campaign looks to have changed that.

Murphy was in Howe’s first-ever starting XI and after spells in and out of the team, his performances have taken a positive turn.

In less minutes, the £12m man has already battered his goal and assist totals for all but two seasons.

He’s playing without pressure but will be aware there is a point to prove as the club enters not only a busy period but an all-important transfer window which could see plenty of incoming players including the right-wing position that Murphy has thrived in recently.