REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Newcastle United did plenty of transfer business over the summer for new manager Matthias Jaissle, but there is a feeling among some of the fanbase that the likes of Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock shouldn't be starting regularly for the club.
Indeed, Newcastle have still made a relatively positive start to the season - ignoring the debacle at Leeds United - as they adapt to life without Eddie Howe as manager.
The Magpies were unbeaten heading into the Premier League clash against Daniel Farke's men at Elland Road on September 14, but they were well beaten, and it was only Bazoumana Toure's last-gasp goal that saw them grab a consolation in a 4-1 defeat.
Jaissle and the players were well aware that they needed to bounce back strongly against high-flying Hull City prior to the extended international break, and they did exactly that as they beat the Tigers 2-1 at St James' Park, with goals from Willock and Lewis Hall in the opening seven minutes proving to be too much.
Things may be going well on the pitch for Newcastle, but having seen Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon in the starting XI last season, it is understandable that some fans are voicing their frustrations that Jaissle is choosing to heavily involve the likes of Murphy and Willock in his plans.
To be fair to the latter, he already has two goals in five Premier League appearances and another in the EFL Cup, and he is currently deserving of his spot.
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Jacob Murphy for Newcastle this season
Appearances
Starts
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Perhaps the same cannot be said for Murphy though, who has no goals or assists to his name this term from the wing, despite being a regular in the side.
Jaissle has praised him for his experience and leadership but, at the same time, the German coach also has Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Harvey Barnes and Bazoumana Toure who he could use out wide.
He's a really important player for our squad, not only on the pitch, also off the pitch. A leader. On the pitch, he's so smart, so game-intelligent. He knows exactly his strength, and he knows how to deliver within our identity.
Those may not be his only options in the coming months though, after the club agreed a first professional contract with Kyran Thompson last month, after he joined from Arsenal.
Thompson Expects First-Team Opportunities
Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle looks on
Newcastle agreed a five-year deal with Thompson last month after he joined the Newcastle set-up from the Gunners, and he has made it clear why it was the right move for him and what he is expecting in terms of a first-team pathway.
He said: "It's been a lot of hard work towards signing my first professional contract. I believe joining Newcastle was the right step towards what I want to achieve. I'm happy to be here and very excited for the future.
"My strengths would be dribbling, drifting inside and being able to play the ball in-behind. I'm a technical player who likes to create chances and score goals for the team.
A big reason why I came here was the chance to play Under-21s football and be able to train with the first team, getting pushed and exposed to senior football as quickly as possible. I feel like this is the right place to do that.
Thompson has now been named in the Guardian's Next Generation 2026 list, which names the biggest talent from every Premier League club.
Newcastle believe they have pulled off a big coup and academy director Steve Harper has described the 17-year-old as an "exciting player with real potential and a hunger to keep improving."
While he is focused on making an impression for the Under-21 side at first, it's clear that Thompson is ambitious, and he believes there is a real opportunity for first-team football at St James' Park in the near future.
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Thompson's Record for Newcastle U21s
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Meanwhile, Murphy will turn 32 years of age in February and if he isn't contributing in terms of goals and assists well enough this season, then perhaps it is time for Jaissle to look at youth instead.
If he carries on his impressive start, then Thompson may well be ready and waiting for his opportunity.
Matthias Jaissle Al Ahli 2025
Matthias Jaissle Al Ahli 2025