Former Premier League star Tim Sherwood is convinced that one Newcastle United player is not getting the credit he deserves this season.
The Magpies have enjoyed a truly memorable campaign, including a cup win and likely Champions League qualification, solidifying the 2024/25 season as one of Newcastle United’s best-ever, no matter what happens in the future.
Eddie Howe has worked his magic with a small number of players once again, proving once again why Amanda Staveley was right to bring him to Tyneside in 2021.
The 47-year-old has completely transformed players who looked down and out under Steve Bruce. Many would have considered Joelinton as one of Newcastle’s worst signings, but the decision to move him into midfield has proven to be just one of several masterstrokes by the Newcastle manager.
Some even believe Newcastle should build a statue of Howe for his work over the last three-and-a-half years.
While Howe works on guiding Newcastle towards Champions League qualification for the second time in three seasons, Tim Sherwood has praised him and another Newcastle player whom he believes has gone completely under the radar this season.
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Tim Sherwood backs Jacob Murphy for England call-up
Very few could have predicted just how good Jacob Murphy was going to be this season. After showing some of his ability during the 2023/24 campaign, Murphy has made Newcastle’s lack of right-wing options much less of a problem with his sensational attacking returns.
Eight goals and 12 assists in the Premier League alone have established him as one of the competition’s best wingers this season: only the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer, and Newcastle target Bryan Mbeumo can better his number of goal contributions.
Murphy is in contention for an England call-up. Thomas Tuchel is set to name his second squad for the Three Lions’ summer games against Andorra and Senegal, and Murphy is believed to be in the German’s thinking.
Harvey Barnes called for Murphy’s England call-up, and Sherwood has now said exactly the same thing.
Speaking on Kelly and Wrighty, Sherwood said: “I think (Newcastle have) done a good job. Wide men as well, we don’t even talk about Barnes. He was sitting on the bench for most of the season, all of a sudden, he gets his opportunity. Gordon steps out of the arena, he comes in and affects the game every time he plays.
“Murphy no one ever mentions. We never even talk about him in the same breath as England, but he should be in the reckoning without doubt.
“He affects the game, he scores goals, he assists. They’ve got very good balance, but I think it all comes down to the management of the football club and the running of the football club. I think Eddie Howe has to take all the credit.”
How Jacob Murphy feels about playing for England
Newcastle want a new right-winger this summer, leaving Murphy wondering what his future holds.
However, Newcastle still see Murphy as an important member of the squad, especially with European nights returning to the North East next season.
This could still be Murphy’s last chance to play for England, and the 30-year-old is well aware of that.
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Murphy is desperate to play for England and admits that he took a lot of inspiration from Dan Burn’s call-up in March.
Burn was a surprise England call-up to many outside of Newcastle, but the fanbase was well aware that this had been a long time coming for the 32-year-old.
Murphy and the Newcastle fans now eagerly await whether Murphy will be given his chance to shine on the international stage.
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