Eddie Howe says two Newcastle United players are doing something that’s just not normal

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Newcastle United have one of the best strikers in the world on their hands.

In Alexander Isak, Newcastle United boast one of the most prolific marksmen around, with the Sweden international having bagged 24 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions already this season.

Indeed, Isak made Newcastle history in the win over Brentford, becoming the first player in their Premier League era to score 20 goals in two consecutive seasons.

Quite where Eddie Howe’s side would be without him isn’t worth considering. No one else in the Newcastle squad has even half his number of Premier League goals this season, with Anthony Gordon currently a distant second on six.

Still, a great striker is nothing without great service.

Even the best forwards would struggle to score without the team behind them creating chances.

With that in mind, Jacob Murphy’s contribution this season cannot be overlooked.

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Eddie Howe blown away by two Newcastle United stars this season

Murphy and Isak are among the best Premier League partnerships right now, with the winger having laid on 10 assists across all competitions this season.

Newcastle star Murphy has praised his partnership with Isak and the Newcastle United manager has now followed suit.

Howe believes the duo boast an understanding that goes beyond even a “normal” telepathic relationship.

Isak, of course, latched onto Murphy’s pinpoint cross against Brentford to score his 20^th of the campaign – albeit he was helped with his attempt on goal after a deflection off Bryan Mbeumo.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, he said: “The ball he put in for Alex was pinpoint and he has done that consistently. Those two players would be at longer range than a normal telepathic relationship.

“Murphs is crossing the ball a lot of the time from wide. Alex seems to know where the ball is going to go. So yeah, they have developed a really good relationship. Murphs has been excellent – he has been creative, defended really well for a wide player and has been very diligent when you ask him to do different things as we did against Brentford – he did it really well. His tactical understanding is really high.”

Alexander Isak just showed how important Jacob Murphy is to Newcastle United

After scoring again on Wednesday, Isak did not indulge himself in his trademark celebration.

Instead, Isak ran straight to Murphy to celebrate his goal against Brentford, such was the quality of the cross that led to the goal.

Newcastle may well sign a right-winger this summer amid links with the likes of Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo.

Still, that does not mean Murphy should be discarded entirely. Clearly on the same wavelength as arguably the best striker in world football right now, there’s little need for him to go anywhere.