Murphy has now scored four goals in five appearances for his club but just how good is the Norwich City star?
Norwich City’s Jacob Murphy in action
Jacob Murphy is quickly making himself indispensable to Norwich City, a point proven when he scored a brace in Tuesday’s 2-1 tense victory over Wigan.
Murphy’s goals, both of which came within the first 12 minutes of the game at Carrow Road, cemented the team’s second home win in a row.
The Norwich academy graduate’s first goal came when he pounced on a poor touch from Wigan keeper Adam Bogdan after just three minutes of play.
His second was not much later when he had the much simpler task of heading in Hoolahan’s strike which Bogdan had forced onto the crossbar.
With such an impressive start to the season and with fans already expressing disbelief at the fact he hasn’t been called up for England’s U21, it has to be asked just how far Murphy can go.
Can he follow in the footsteps of former teammate Nathan Redmond who recently signed with Southampton to make his way back to the Premier League?
Jacob, twin brother of fellow teammate Josh Murphy, has certainly demonstrated he has the skill to compete with the best with some scorching goals already this season.
His most memorable was Sky Bet’s Goal of the Month for August and came on his full debut against Blackburn Rovers.
Using accurate footwork to outmanoeuvre Rovers defence, Murphy blasted the ball into the top corner of the net from 25 yards out after only 12 minutes of pitch time and most certainly announced himself to his squad and fans.
But it’s consistency that has really made the older Murphy brother central to the Canaries’ strong start to the season.
His brace on Tuesday made it four goals from five appearances for the 21-year-old and Norwich Manager Alex Neil is taking notice of the player’s continued form.
Ahead of Tuesday’s game, he said in a video on the club’s twitter: “Jacob’s played every game that he’s been available for us and that’s been down to him.
“The bottom line is if he performs really, really well, I’ve got to find a place for him because he’s scoring goals and he’s making goals.
“[Jacob and Josh] are unique and special to this club purely because they’ve come through the youth system and I’m not sure the last time a player came up through the youth system and played at the top level for the club.”
And Murphy has no plans to rest on his laurels, instead using his history with the club to motivate him to continue his outstanding performance.
Followers on twitter will have been able to see the footballer training hard over the summer with his brother and Jacob has made it clear he intends to keep it up.
Jacob said in an interview with Norwich City TV: “Preparation starts in the summer. I’ve got to give myself the advantage over my teammates for that starting place.
“I’ve wanted to do this since I was an under-11 so I love that I’m getting my chance after such a long time.
“I always knew I was capable of playing in this team. This season, I feel ready to try and keep the shirt.”
Murphy is already on track to overtake Redmond’s five goals in his first full Championship season and should his impeccable form continue, a feat which seems likely given his solid work ethic and motivation, it would not be difficult to see him surpass his former teammate and end up in the highest tier of English football.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
