West Bromwich are reportedly interested in the talented 22-year old Norwich winger Jacob Murphy who has had a sensational season with club and country as his skills and talents with the ball have been lauded and appreciated by fans and experts alike.
The player had dazzled in England U-21 games and was also a key figure for the Canaries in the Championship last season. His recent form has seen him sky rocket into interests of many Premier League clubs and Tony Pulis seems to be leading the queue for the Englishman’s signature.
The player, who still has four years remaining on his contract at the Carrow road, is being valued at £7m, although the price could potentially rise further with such impending interest on the youngster.
Nonetheless let’s take a look at the stats and evaluate.
Player stats
The player had featured 37 times in the Championship with 32 of them being first team starts. Certainly a laudable stat for player of such tender age.
The Canaries’ winger had provided the team with 9 goals and 6 assists in last season’s Championship. He has the required skills and creativity to chances in the final third.
The Englishman made 38 key passes for his team which shows he does have the requisite vision to create chances in the final third.
Murphy’s passing has not been so impressive and needs to improve from his last season’s percentage of 69.1. Being a winger, he definitely needs to better himself at this skill. Also, the 22-year old’s defensive contribution had been sub-par last season.
True that the player has a long way to go before being a proper finished product, but with time and potential on his side, proper guidance might just bring out the best in him. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the club?
Pulis had been left disappointed and discontent with the lack of creativity and exuberance from his wingers this past season. Certainly investing on Murphy would not be a ready-made solution but with his pace and dribbling skills, he might cause a lot of trouble for the opposition.
Known for his staunch and obdurate man-management skills, Pulis has a tough task of carving out the winger’s finishing skills and ball control. But if he manages to extract the best out of the individual, he would undoubtedly unearth a talent for the longer run.
Worth the money?
Being valued at £7m, it is risk worth investing on. Seeing the returns that Pulis could possibly ask for from the youngster, it would be a well worth gamble. A talent to look out for at the Hawthorns certainly, Pulis should make it happen.
All eyes on the gaffer for this one.
