Opinion
Josh Murphy’s fine form shows FA Youth Cup winning winger is becoming a key player for Norwich City
Josh Murphy has scored three goals in two games for Norwich City and looks ready to kick on and become a key player this season. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
It may have been a disrupted pre-season for Josh Murphy but the winger is starting to show just why he is such a prized asset for Norwich City.
The 22-year-old was too hot to handle for Charlton at Carrow Road on Tuesday, scoring twice and setting up another as City came from behind to win 4-1.
His exciting display during that victory in the Carabao Cup second round also included an assist and followed on from being the shining light in Saturday’s disappointing 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa.
The Canaries academy product scored one and set up the other, for Nelson Oliveira, in that game and has now laid down a marker for the campaign ahead.
Josh made the first team breakthrough ahead of his twin brother, Jacob, scoring on his debut almost four years ago when coming on as a substitute and sparking a comeback from 2-0 down in a 3-2 victory in the third round.
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The twins, brought up in west Norfolk, were at the forefront of an exciting under-18 age group which famously won the FA Youth Cup under Neil Adams in 2013.
Josh looked the most likely to emerge, getting plenty of chances while his brother, Carlton Morris and Harry Toffolo enjoyed a series of loan spells.
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His own season on loan at MK Dons in the Championship saw the London-born attacker poised to take a starring role as Norwich returned to that level last season – yet it was Jacob who grabbed the spotlight.
Ten goals in 40 games in all competitions saw his twin shoot to stardom and the European U21 Championships with England – prompting Newcastle to splash out £12m to take Jacob to the Premier League with them.
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Josh remaining in Norfolk softened that blow considerably for City fans though, knowing the club had another explosive talent capable of similar exploits.
With fresh determination and willingness to get stuck in defensively, Josh looks ready to step out of his brother’s shadow and bring a similar return of goals and assists.
If he can continue in his current vein, Premier League football will surely also beckon, regardless of if the Canaries can climb their way back to the top flight.
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