Murphy

[Zippity]

What is it now-8 assists and 3 goals so far this season?

I still think we need an upgrade if we're to seriously challenge at the top but, as a squad player, I think he's made huge progress and I'd be happy to keep him.

Thoughts?

[5under1and]

Would much prefer to get 20 million for him and invest in a better right wing

[Nufcian]

Brilliant spell at the moment? Miggy did similar though.

Still think we need someone who will challenge/tackle, and more importantly for an attacker, take someone on.

[Zippity]

I did think about the 'Miggy syndrome ' thing but Murphy has been getting steadily better and more consistent. I'd be happy to have him as a squad player. That pass for Isak's second was de Bruyne quality. I'm not saying he is capable of reaching anywhere near those levels, obviously, but there's more in his locker than maybe we realised previously.

[ex_pat_magpie]

I did think about the 'Miggy syndrome ' thing but Murphy has been getting steadily better and more consistent. I'd be happy to have him as a squad player. That pass for Isak's second was de Bruyne quality. I'm not saying he is capable of reaching anywhere near those levels, obviously, but there's more in his locker than maybe we realised previously.

Agree Zip. Murphy is a good steady back up who rarely has a bad match and his stats are getting better week by week.

Also he has a turn of foot which can change a game with his final cross over.

[Nufcian]

I did think about the 'Miggy syndrome ' thing but Murphy has been getting steadily better and more consistent. I'd be happy to have him as a squad player. That pass for Isak's second was de Bruyne quality. I'm not saying he is capable of reaching anywhere near those levels, obviously, but there's more in his locker than maybe we realised previously.

As with all stats, the context is important.

His 3 goals were 2 against Leiecester then 1 in the next game against Ipswich.

Dunno if the game is still available to watch, but he missed a few very good chances before the first against Leicester, and looked a bit broken/worried by it.

The goals obviously helped his confidence, and his assists have been handy, and I completely agree he?s a good option in the squad, as part of rotation.

It?s just his lack of defending from the front, and his reluctance to take people on that make me think he needs replaced.

It makes me think about the way he looked against Leicester before it came good for him, it?s like he?s shying away from competing with anyone? probably t him under any pressure and he?ll get rid of the ball regardless of if it is a good position to do so? and if opposition works that out then we?re knackered down the right.

I like him, in the same way I like Miggy? they are positive, smiling, hard working players, but they are both very limited.

Miggy got 11 goals all season 22/23, 8 of them in his purple patch? but as for goals that really made a difference it was the winner against Everton? the rest of the time he was making hay while the sun shined on the rest of the team too? same with Murphy, though his biggest meaningful contribution this season really has been an assist when we beat spurs 2-1 at home.

This is just my opinion, and fair enough if people disagree, but we need someone with real/solid self-belief and the ability to deliver against top teams to match. He?s a good option from the bench, but he is not the same quality as Gordon and Isak.

If we got a player like Mbuemo then we?d have a midfield and front line as good as any team in the Prem

[Jammy89]

I'm happy with him as a squad player, but I also think we need an upgrade that is our first choice.

I would love Mbuemo here.

[toptoon]

Agree with Jammy. Lets be honest Murphy has some bad drops in form from time to time where hes pretty atrocious. But, when hes good, hes good!!!
Id be happy to keep him as a back up RW pushing for a place against a first team starter. Mbuemo would be unreal.

[toonphil]

Underestimate Murphy at your peril! I still want Mbuemo.

[HughieG]

I remember they said we bought the wrong brother. I'm starting to think they were wrong!