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'.
