Jacob Murphy initially struggled at Newcastle United, but he ended the season on a high after time out of the spotlight.
Newcastle United fans will be desperate to see Kenedy back at St James’ Park next season, but they now face a wait before a decision is made on his future.
The Chelsea man has been hugely influential in Newcastle’s impressive 2018, scoring twice for his loan side as they secured a 10th-placed finish.
And he joined his Magpies teammates on the pitch at the end of their final-day 3-0 defeat of Chelsea, for which he was ineligible.
It still seems unlikely that Newcastle will be able to bring Kenedy back next term, but they have certainly benefited from his presence in recent months.
One man who may particularly reap the rewards of Kenedy’s impressive form is Jacob Murphy, who was handed a spell out of the limelight.
Murphy endured a mixed first campaign at his boyhood club and struggled for consistency, performing well on occasion but failing to string a run of displays together.
But on Sunday it was encouraging to see, in Kenedy’s absence, Murphy turn in one of his very best displays in black and white.
The winger ran Cesar Azpilicueta ragged and was influential in the first and second goals, creating further chances with his powerful running and teasing crosses.
Some fans and perhaps Murphy himself would have been concerned by Kenedy’s establishment in the first-team, but his consistency allowed the former England youth international time to find his feet.
Whether Kenedy is around to provide competition next season or not, Murphy may well be a better player for having largely avoided the pressure cooker of the run-in.
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