Jacob Murphy can do little more to earn himself a new deal at Newcastle United after an impressive end to the 2020-21 season.
That's the view of veteran Chronicle journalist John Gibson who believes Murphy is 'essential' to United heading into next season.
The former Norwich man has one year left on his current deal but with several clubs being linked to him, United are eyeing up a new contract.
Speaking on The Everything is Black and White Podcast, Gibson believes it has been an amazing turnaround for Murphy - whose career at Newcastle looked all but over 12 months ago.
"What more can he do?," Gibbo said when asked if Murphy deserves a new deal.
"He has earned every right to be part of the Newcastle United set up and has got to be made to feel wanted.
"He has to have his terms improved as he's essential.
"He looked as if his future was all behind him at Newcastle United.
"He'd come up here from Norwich - he looked timid, overawed, he looked like he'd hit a stage which was far too big for him.
"Went out on loan, the traditional way - like Rolando Aarons - is that you come back, go back out and then are eventually sold but Murphy came back and while at times he couldn't get into the side, he eventually flourished at wing-back.
"As an out-and-out winger, instead of hitting the tramline and going forward, Murphy was running towards his own goal trying to get tackles in because they were so timid but when he came in at wing-back with Ritchie on the other side, we saw him without a shadow of a doubt he is the best crosser of the ball at the club. "
The stats show that Murphy actually ranks fourth in terms of crosses for Newcastle this season with 59 - Jonjo Shelvey (94), Ryan Fraser (103) and Matt Ritchie (105), rank higher.
But in terms of the quality of delivery - Gibbo is flying the flag for only one man.
LISTEN TO GIBBO'S END OF SEASON REVIEW BY CLICKING HERE
"Stats are everyone's bible now - they only tell you so much," Gibbo added.
"Completed passes - I could pass it to you now, I'm three foot away but that's a completed pass or I could try to hit a ball as Mason Mount did in the Champions League Final, that is also a completed pass.
"I tell you which completed pass I want - I want that one from Mount not mine that I've rolled six inches yet the stats say both are successful!
"Don't give me stats. For me, the best crosser of the ball, hitting a man who is in the best position to score is Murphy. "
