It is easy to forget that Rafa Benitez brought Jacob Murphy to Newcastle United.
After guiding Newcastle United to promotion from the Championship, Rafa Benitez set about improving his squad to ensure that the club remained in the Premier League.
The Magpies started the summer by making Christian Atsu’s loan move permanent, then Florian Lejeune arrived to beef up Benitez’s centre-back options.
Next on the agenda was another winger, with Newcastle United signing Jacob Murphy from Norwich City for £12million. At the age of 22-years-old, Murphy had never played in the Premier League, but had been impressive in the Championship for the Canaries.
Regardless, it was a risk, and a risk that did not look like it would pay off.
- Who is Jacob Murphy? The Newcastle United star who has transformed under Eddie Howe
What Rafa Benitez said about Jacob Murphy in 2018
During his first season at St James’ Park, Murphy made 28 appearances in all competitions. He scored one goal and provided one assist, starting 15 times.
While Newcastle United avoided relegation back to the Championship, Murphy had hardly been a pivotal figure.
The next season saw him play even less. Murphy made just 13 appearances, before Benitez made the decision to send him out on loan to second tier side West Brom during the January transfer window.
Before that, Murphy sometimes was not even included in the matchday squad. That did not reflect well on Murphy, nor did it reflect well on the club’s decision to pay £12million for him.
However, Benitez said something about Murphy in November 2018 that feels particularly relevant in 2025, at a time when he is playing the best football of his career.
During an interview with the Chronicle, Benitez was asked why he was choosing not to pick Murphy.
“He is a young player who is training very well,” he said.
“He is working very hard and he is keen to learn. And he will need some time.
“Why? Because when you are not doing well as a team on the pitch the young players can’t give you the experience. Then you are expecting the pace or quality but you are still losing. So you have to keep going back to the experience.”
Benitez’s prediction took a long time to come true at Newcastle United
Benitez tried to protect Murphy back in 2018. Instead of crippling his confidence by thrusting him into a struggling side, he kept him out of the limelight.
Interestingly, Benitez’s prediction about Murphy has proven to be correct. He did need time, but his desire to work hard and his appetite for learning has allowed him to become one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wide players this season.
Newcastle’s wingers are shining, with Harvey Barnes also standing out.
But it is the Murphy story that is the most captivating. He has now scored eight times and provided 11 assists in the Premier League this season, with only Mo Salah setting up more goals.
His rise in black and white is absolutely remarkable. Murphy is just another example of Eddie Howe’s exceptional coaching. As long as you show the right attitude and application, he will make you better.
Murphy always had that at St James’ Park, even when Rafa Benitez brought him to the club.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
