Former Norwich City winger Murphy has not featured in either of Newcastle United’s last two Premier League outings.
With Newcastle United a goal down and struggling to open up Chris Hughton’s well-drilled Brighton on Sunday, the fact that Rafael Benitez did not turn to his £12 million winger (Sky Sports) raised a few questions.
Jacob Murphy did not step off the bench at The Amex despite Newcastle crying out for extra speed, cutting edge and creativity with Matt Ritchie having something of an ‘off-day’ out wide.
Yet, the former Norwich City youngster, Newcastle’s most expensive summer signing, was not trusted to turn the game around despite tallying an impressive nine goals and six assists in The Championship last season. Murphy’s lack of opportunities have become a growing theme in the opening weeks of the new season.
He’s made just three Premier League appearances, starting just once and tallying a mere 71 minutes of action in Newcastle colours. In fact, since a disappointing 59 minute outing against Swansea City, Murphy has not featured in either of The Magpies’ last two league games.
Further down the pecking order?
And reports by Turkish Football that Newcastle will make another move for Galatasaray winger Garry Rodrigues after having a £6 million bid rejected late in the transfer window may only exacerbate the feeling that Benitez is not Murphy’s biggest fan.
Like the England Under-21 star, Rodrigues is primarily a left winger and, unlike the England Under-21 star, has enjoyed a fine start to the season. The Cape Verde international, who joined Gala from PAOK in January for £3 million, has set up three goals in six league games in 2017/18.
And, with Christian Atsu already ahead of Murphy in the pecking order, Rodrigues’ potential arrival will raise further questions about the former Norwich star’s prospects at St James’ Park.
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