OPINION
Newcastle United attacker Jacob Murphy has endured a frustrating first season at St James’ Park and the step up from the Championship to the Premier League has impacted his game.
The Magpies splashed out £12million to bring the English wide man to the club from Norwich at the beginning of the season and as of now he is yet to repay that.
He is renowned for being a skilful right-winger with brilliant pace, but has not looked confident since joining last summer and is failing to make the most of his opportunities when on the pitch.
The right-winger has still mangled 26 appearances in all competitions this campaign, but has scored just one goal and supplied one assist.
Manager Rafael Benitez needs to thrown down the gauntlet to Murphy in the final two Premier League games of the season and give him the opportunity to prove himself with back-to-back starts.
Newcastle face Spurs and Chelsea in their remaining fixtures as they go in search of a top-10 finish and need to see if Murphy can show anything to suggest he warrants a place in the first team next season.
A potential loan exit in the 2018/19 campaign for him could be a good solution if he is not yet ready for the Premier League and aged 23 he still has a decent future.
However, Murphy deserves one last shot in the final games to prove his talent and if he succeeds there is a possibility next year could be his serious breakthrough.
