Are quartet Newcastle United’s unsung heroes this season?

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United are on the verge of securing promotion out of the Championship, but perhaps some players’ contributions have gone under the radar.

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez

Newcastle United return to action this weekend looking to take one more step towards securing promotion back to the Premier League.

But while the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Dwight Gayle and Jamaal Lascelles have rightfully received plenty of praise, there are perhaps a few members of Rafa Benitez’s squad that have not received the credit they have deserved from everyone other than the Toon Army this term.

With that in mind, here is a look at four Magpies stars who are perhaps the unsung heroes from the campaign…

Matt Ritchie

It is perhaps odd to suggest that Matt Ritchie has gone under the radar, but he has surely not received anything like the praise he has deserved for his contribution. His nine goals in the league makes him Newcastle’s second highest goalscorer, while he has also contributed seven assists. That kind of form has made his decision to drop down a division seem much more sensible.

Newcastle United’s Ciaran Clark

Ciaran Clark

Ciaran Clark is another who has received plenty of plaudits, but perhaps nothing like the amount of praise he should get. The centre-back has been a rock alongside Lascelles, and has completely justified his decision to leave Aston Villa for St James’ Park.

Ayoze Perez

Ayoze Perez has arguably done extremely well this season, providing support to Gayle. He has scored six goals and contributed five assists, and of course, bagged the winner in the dramatic victory over fellow promotion-chasers Brighton in February.

Newcastle United’s Ayoze Perez

Daryl Murphy

Few could really understand Newcastle’s decision to sign Daryl Murphy last summer when it had got to January and he was still awaiting his first Championship appearance for the Magpies. Since then however, he has managed to take advantage of the chances he has had with four goals coming in 10 league games.