Rio Ferdinand believes Jacob Murphy's 'phenomenal form' proves Eddie Howe already has the template for Anthony Gordon to succeed at Newcastle United. The January signing made only his second start in black-and-white againt Aston Villa, but was substituted before the hour-mark in a rare off-day for the Magpies.
Gordon was handed his full Newcastle debut in the away defeat to Manchester City last month, and was praised for his impact in the comeback victory over Brentford ahead of the trip to Villa Park. However, the former Everton prospect has otherwise struggled to earn game-time since making the switch to St James' Park.
Jacob Murphy has claimed the starting spot in the absence of Miguel Almiron, although the Magpies' top scorer this season returned earlier than expected from injury as a substitute in the 3-0 loss at Villa Park. Ferdinand feels Murphy's improvement, having previously been a bit-part player under successive managers, proves Howe can take Gordon to 'another level'.
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The pundit told BT Sport: "He had players like Jacob Murphy here before he came in. Look at Jacob Murphy now, he’s been phenomenal from either off the bench or impacting games when he starts.
"That coaching element is so important, you can have a manager and say he’s got the reputation but can he improve players that are already here and ones that come in through the door? He’s doing that. Joelinton, Almiron, there are so many players we can name.
"We’re hoping he’s gonna get the same with Anthony Gordon, he’s been brought in with big money, he’s gonna get another kick out of him, another level of performance over time and you can’t ask for more. When you’re investing you want players to be made better, and you need a coach to do that. He’s doing that."
Ferdinand interviewed Murphy on his YouTube channel following Newcastle's home victory over Manchester United earlier this month. Reflecting on that conversation, the former Red Devils defender outlined how the Magpies have adopted the model of Premier League rivals who have 'the most successful' in the division in recent seasons.
Ferdinand said: "I spoke to Jacob Murphy the other day and he was saying that one of the things they take huge pride in is being the fittest team. They’re aggressive, they have a high press on the front foot, but they have to be fit to play like that.
"The teams that have been the most successful in this league in recent years have been the teams that are best pressers, high up the pitch and aggressive. Liverpool recently and obviously Manchester City over a longer period, so they’re dancing in the right areas."
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