‘Says everything’: Jason Tindall knows exactly why Jacob Murphy doesn’t get the credit he deserves at Newcastle

While Newcastle United boast a squad filled with high-profile names, it is Jacob Murphy who has quietly emerged as their most influential player this season. The 30-year-old winger continues to defy expectations, delivering match-winning performances that have made him indispensable to Eddie Howe’s side.

His latest display—a goal and an assist in the victory over Crystal Palace—further cemented his status as one of the Premier League’s most underrated talents.

Murphy’s strike, a breathtaking finish from an almost impossible angle, showcased his confidence and technical ability. It took his season tally to nine goals and 13 assists across all competitions, numbers that put him among the league’s most productive wide players. For a man who was once considered a squad player, his transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.

Fans have clamored for a new right winger over the past year, particularly after Miguel Almirón’s departure left a void in attack. Yet Murphy has responded by making the position his own, proving he has no intention of stepping aside for a big-money signing.

His relentless work rate, tactical intelligence, and end product have forced Newcastle to reconsider their transfer plans. After all, why spend heavily on a replacement when Murphy is outperforming many of the names linked with the club?

Assistant manager Jason Tindall has been vocal in his admiration for Murphy, insisting the winger would receive far more acclaim if he were a foreign import with a hefty price tag.

“Jacob is behind only Mohamed Salah in assists this season—that tells you everything about the kind of campaign he’s having,” Tindall remarked. “If we had signed him from Spain or Brazil for £50 million, everyone would be raving about him. But because he’s been here for years, people sometimes overlook just how good he is.”

Tindall’s words highlight a recurring theme in football—homegrown or long-serving players often don’t get the same hype as expensive imports, even when their performances warrant it. Murphy’s consistency, versatility, and ability to execute Howe’s tactical demands have made him a manager’s dream.

Whether deployed as a traditional winger, an inverted wide man, or even as a wing-back, he adapts seamlessly, proving his value beyond just goals and assists.

Newcastle’s need for reinforcements on the right flank is undeniable, especially with European football on the horizon. However, Murphy’s sensational form has complicated their search. The club’s recruitment team now faces a difficult question: Who do you sign to compete with a player contributing over 20 goals and assists in a single season?

Names like Bryan Mbeumo, Johan Bakayoko, and Tyler Dibling have been linked, but none guarantee an immediate upgrade. Murphy isn’t just a statistical standout—he elevates those around him, particularly Alexander Isak, whose prolific scoring run owes much to the Englishman’s creativity. Any new signing must not only match Murphy’s output but also his tactical discipline and relentless energy.

Murphy’s resurgence is also a testament to Eddie Howe’s ability to maximize players’ potential. Once seen as a fringe figure, the winger has thrived under Howe’s guidance, refining his decision-making and end product. His journey mirrors that of Joelinton—another player transformed from a perceived flop into a key contributor.

As Newcastle prepare for another season of growth, Murphy’s story serves as a reminder that success isn’t always about blockbuster signings. Sometimes, the most valuable players are those who rise to the occasion when given belief and opportunity. And right now, Jacob Murphy isn’t just holding his own—he’s leading the charge.

For Newcastle, the challenge is clear: strengthen the squad, but don’t underestimate the man who has become their silent superstar.