After the official confirmation of Jacob Murphy’s transfer to Newcastle United, as announced on the Magpies’ official website, Fantasy Football managers across the globe now have an additional, and somewhat exciting, midfield option to choose from on draft day.
During the summer the former Norwich City winger was one of the stars of the England Under-21 campaign, alongside Nathan Redmond and Demarai Gray. His international teammates have already proven themselves in the Premier League and he will look to have a similar impact in his debut campaign.
He has been brought into St James’ Park as a replacement for Yoan Gouffran and it is expected that he will be the first choice left-winger in Rafa Benitez’s squad.
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Is Murphy a good signing for Newcastle United?
The transfer needs to be approached with caution based on the player having no experience in the Premier League.
At the age of 22, he has shown his talent at Under-21 level and in the lower leagues, but it has yet to be seen whether he can take the step up to the top flight.
He is a direct threat in the final third, who looks to attack the goal at every opportunity. Rafa Benitez likes to play with inside forwards and that suits Murphy, as he looks to drift into central areas at every opportunity.
Last season, he contributed nine goals and six assists in the Championship, which is a good return at that level. His pass success rate of 69.1% is underwhelming, while his defensive contribution must improve to fit into a Benitez team.
The 22-year-old is raw, but he has the potential to grow and will benefit from learning under a world class coach at Newcastle.
Although he will be asked to play a less selfish role and work hard for the team, he will be given the license to attack the goal when the side does have the ball.
At times, the Magpies were reliant on Dwight Gayle and Matt Ritchie for goals. Murphy will provide a bigger goal threat than Gouffran, while his long-range shooting ability provides another dimension.
What does his arrival mean for Draft Fantasy?
Wingers are always worth considering when it comes to the draft and Murphy could be fourth or fifth midfielder. He has always been a player that looks to be positive in possession and his directness will lead to shooting opportunities.
Last season, he averaged 2.4 shots per game, underlining his desire to get involved in the final third. Newcastle United are signing him for a purpose and he is going to play the majority of matches when he is available.
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It could be that he takes a while to settle at Newcastle United and learn the role that Benitez will ask him to play. Murphy would certainly be a risky option, but with time, he should become a dangerous weapon in the Magpies’ arsenal.
If you opt not to draft him, and he remains a free agent in the game, it would be worth keeping an eye on his performances at St James’ Park, as he could be a good option to pick up later in the game.
A player like Nathan Redmond would be a more reliable pick-up, based on what he has already achieved in the Premier League, but don’t completely rule out Murphy. The latest Newcastle United recruit could be a gamble worth taking.
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