Josh Murphy is the player to get City out of this slump Says

Josh Murphy is perfect man to lift Cardiff City out of this slump as Neil Harris hints at position tweak

The winger produced a stunning ball on the weekend to set up Kieffer Moore's goal and created a golden chance for Harry Wilson moments later, but he must find more consistency



By Glen Williams

Tuesday 24th November 2020



Josh Murphy produced two top class runs and his ability to create can be exactly what Cardiff are lacking.

Shortly after Josh Murphy was brought on for Cardiff City against Millwall, he hit the byline and sent in a mishit, left-footed cross which sailed over the bar.

A quick scroll through social media, with the Bluebirds chasing the game, saw supporters venting their frustration at the sight of another chance going awry.

Just a minute later, though, and it was the winger who changed the game.

Murphy's pinpoint, volleyed pass carved open Millwall's defence and slotted through Kieffer Moore, who took his chance well, burying it past the impressive Bartosz Bialkowski to level the tie.

The finish was superb, but the defence-splitting ball from Murphy was on another level.

Quickly after the restart, too, Murphy engineered another brilliant chance when he burst down the left and drilled in a dangerous low cross towards Harry Wilson.

The Liverpool loanee got to it first, opened up his right foot and tried to slot home, but, miraculously, Bialkowski's outstretched left foot somehow managed to deny Cardiff a second.

The three chances mentioned above all happened within six minutes at The Den. One squandered, leaving fans with their head in their hands, the other two were moments of sheer quality which left supporters begging the question: 'Where has this Josh Murphy been?'.

Those six minutes sum up Murphy's Cardiff City stay fairly aptly over the last two years; moments that evoke feelings both of despair and awe.

Wilson aside, Murphy might just be the most talented player in Cardiff's squad, but it is no shock that his inconsistency has seemingly resulted in a loss of trust from the coaching staff.

Murphy has started just two Championship matches this season, with Junior Hoilett, who has also varied wildly between hot and cold, the preferred choice on that left-hand side.

But, lest we forget, Murphy is the most expensive player in this Cardiff City squad, having joined for £11m from Norwich ahead of the Bluebirds' Premier League campaign.

Having played 202 minutes of league football this season, Murphy is yet to score and has produced just one assist – for Kieffer Moore's goal against Millwall on Saturday.

For a player of Murphy's obvious ability, fans, coaches and doubtless team-mates, too, must be crying out for the winger to hit his best form and produce these game-winning moments with more regularity.

In truth, given their current form, game-winners are what what Cardiff need now more than ever.

With Lee Tomlin out for a considerable length of time following his groin surgery, Murphy's role should be more pronounced and there is a greater onus on him to produce. He is too talented to be left sitting on the Bluebirds bench.

With Murphy, Sheyi Ojo, Hoilett and, of course, Wilson all options for Harris to play behind one or two strikers, there is no doubt Cardiff have the firepower to start stringing together a run of results. And Murphy should have a big part to play in that.



You sense the manager, too, is desperate to see a level of consistency from the wide man and even hinted that he could shift in to a second striker position following the game at The Den.

"They are the moments Josh Murphy has got to give us," Harris said of Murphy's role in Moore's goal.

"Whether he is in the starting XI or off the bench, whether he is playing in a wide area or as a second striker, he has to give us those moments.

"We know there are going to be times when he is going to frustrate and he is going to give the ball away, but he has those moments when he can score out of nothing or create out of nothing."

Cardiff are undoubtedly still trying to find their way up top after a few summer arrivals, while their defence has been guilty of having a soft belly far too often this term.

But at the business end of the pitch, there has not been enough creativity, with Kieffer Moore often tasked with winning aerial duels to form a base for the attack.



The attack has, perhaps, been a little too one dimensional and needs that element of unpredictability and trickery, which is why Ojo has started brightly in a Cardiff City shirt so far.

And Murphy, if confident and in form, can be the perfect tonic for the Bluebirds' often predictable and telegraphed attack. He really could be the perfect man to lift Cardiff out of this slump.

But he needs to start delivering now, just like he did at Millwall, and on a consistent basis.

If he takes his chances, this could be the season he really arrives as a Cardiff City player and he should relish that very prospect.

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Replies FB:

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Murphy is the fastest player in the squad and is the only logical candidate to play centrally with Moore to run in behind. We are too slow and predictable at the moment.

I so wanted Murphy to succeed like most Cardiff fans and hope he does I always thought Warnock ruined his confidence and tried to make him into something he would never be But after so many games where it looks that he is just not interested in putting in the effort i really do wonder about the lad and his mental ability on the pitch The glimpses of his talent have been so rare I just don’t think he wants to be here

Reply FB:


Ray Wilson:

One pass in 10 games your deluded build your team around Murphy we are definitely in a relegation scrap

I have said it before and I’ll say it again does this guy Glen Williams actually watch us? He talks utter shit his love in with Murphy beggars belief. Murphy plays one good pass and he’s crying out for him to be back in the team. You couldn’t make it up.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again does this guy Glen Williams actually watch us? He talks utter shit his love in with Murphy beggars belief. Murphy plays one good pass and he’s crying out for him to be back in the team. You couldn’t make it up.

He writes what ever Tan or Dalman tells him to.

I was expecting so much from Murphy but for me it’s to little to late now.

I disagree with this 100%.

Murphy makes 1 good pass to set up a goal and now apparently the player who gives off a "cant be bothered" vibe more often than not is the player to haul us up the table. Doubt it.

What we need is a back 4 who don't give away silly goals within the first 10 minutes.

I have my doubts whether Murphy has the mental strength to be a top player, but would try him with Moore. Maybe the players around him can get him going, and being more central, he will have the ball more.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again does this guy Glen Williams actually watch us? He talks utter shit his love in with Murphy beggars belief. Murphy plays one good pass and he’s crying out for him to be back in the team. You couldn’t make it up.

He writes what ever Tan or Dalman tells him to.

The thought of Tan drafting a piece for this ‘journalist’ about Murphy has just made me laugh out very loud.

I disagree with this 100%.

Murphy makes 1 good pass to set up a goal and now apparently the player who gives off a "cant be bothered" vibe more often than not is the player to haul us up the table. Doubt it.

What we need is a back 4 who don't give away silly goals within the first 10 minutes.

Taking away his defensive responsibilities would let him think more in an attacking sense.

As stated earlier, social media blew up after that first ball he crossed out. That would have been the same if fans were there. The fact they weren’t allowed him to bounce back and produce two bits of magic later in the game.

What if he was able to build on that and become that player more of the time. The player who caused premier league right backs to be substituted at half time after he ripped them apart.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again does this guy Glen Williams actually watch us? He talks utter shit his love in with Murphy beggars belief. Murphy plays one good pass and he’s crying out for him to be back in the team. You couldn’t make it up.

He writes what ever Tan or Dalman tells him to.

The thought of Tan drafting a piece for this ‘journalist’ about Murphy has just made me laugh out very loud.

Neil,

I know for a fact the reporters from Media Wales are only allowed to say positive stuff and praise 95% of what happens at CCFC or otherwise they will be stopped from reporting end off.

As to Tan writing this garbage he writes nothing his yes men tell the reporters not to be negative.

Dalman has now gone off Harris since Harris spoke out the truth, so now the reporters are starting to turn on Harris thats how it works.

If one of their players had got closer to him he would have gone to ground. Gets bullied to easily.

He has the inate skills to be a premier league player but not the right attitude to be one otherwise he would be playing in the premier now. One of those players who could be better than he is but you suspect he will always underachieve. He is fortunate to be in job where he can be well below what he could be and still make a very good living. Would still like to see more of him when Hoilett is having one of his off days which happen quite frequently these days.

As shit as ever tonight no sympathy for Harris would I pick him if my job depended on it like Feck.

As shit as ever tonight no sympathy for Harris would I pick him if my job depended on it like Feck.

They’ll still be people on here later saying Murphy needs to be given a chance!!!!!

I woudlnt pay murphy in old socks absolute shite he is. Not even a shadow of the player he used to be. c**t falls over more than he's stood up and couldn't beat a 10 year old with the ball these days half the time.

This article aged well didn't it?

Apparently he’s brilliant in training, must be the twin brother in training but Josh on match days

needs a real run of games, 10-15 straight starts, in a more forward role in my mind, the odd start and 20 mins here and there out wide, not sure is fair to signal him out when others are doing nothing as well.

if we can get him going, I beleave he is still one of the best players we have, and with a few goals playing most weeks, will really help us this season.

needs a real run of games, 10-15 straight starts, in a more forward role in my mind, the odd start and 20 mins here and there out wide, not sure is fair to signal him out when others are doing nothing as well.

if we can get him going, I beleave he is still one of the best players we have, and with a few goals playing most weeks, will really help us this season.

Totally. One game when everyone else played shite.

Sums up our fans on here though.

needs a real run of games, 10-15 straight starts, in a more forward role in my mind, the odd start and 20 mins here and there out wide, not sure is fair to signal him out when others are doing nothing as well.

if we can get him going, I beleave he is still one of the best players we have, and with a few goals playing most weeks, will really help us this season.

Totally. One game when everyone else played shite.

Sums up our fans on here though.

he wasnt even the worse one out there...

He has the inate skills to be a premier league player but not the right attitude to be one otherwise he would be playing in the premier now. One of those players who could be better than he is but you suspect he will always underachieve. He is fortunate to be in job where he can be well below what he could be and still make a very good living. Would still like to see more of him when Hoilett is having one of his off days which happen quite frequently these days.

For me it's just like the zohore situation, all the attributes to be a top league regular,but they struggle with the mental side of the game,I have a good friend in Turkey, and we are his team from the Uk, he pissed himself when I reminded him we spent £11m on him! We were dead lucky to get £8m for Zohore, and made the best profit for a player,in a long,long time,but as seen,he just cannot be consistent for a sustained period.had one good spell whilst here,but that was it.

Murphy looks to be going the same way,but apart from the cornelius fiasco,could become our biggest loss on a player,as he hasn't attracted any interest to date,that I'm aware of, what we we get for him? I'd be surprised if it was more than £4m tbh.
If he isn't careful,he could ruin his obvious talent,by playing lower league football,when he could,if he tried harder,be a premier league player. He needs to step up,and put himself in the window,if as suggested he doesn't want to be here.there were rumours last year? That he was homesick,if that's still the case,he will never shine,well at least not here.

needs a real run of games, 10-15 straight starts, in a more forward role in my mind, the odd start and 20 mins here and there out wide, not sure is fair to signal him out when others are doing nothing as well.

if we can get him going, I beleave he is still one of the best players we have, and with a few goals playing most weeks, will really help us this season.

Totally. One game when everyone else played shite.

Sums up our fans on here though.

he wasnt even the worse one out there...

Correct, he wasn’t the worse but he hasn’t shown anything in the last 18 months and, whatever his fans say, he has had plenty of chances.

The ability is there but the attitude isn’t, hopefully his contract is up soon as a move would be best for all parties and he’s probably on one of the best contracts after being signed for £11m.

needs a real run of games, 10-15 straight starts, in a more forward role in my mind, the odd start and 20 mins here and there out wide, not sure is fair to signal him out when others are doing nothing as well.

if we can get him going, I beleave he is still one of the best players we have, and with a few goals playing most weeks, will really help us this season.

Totally. One game when everyone else played shite.

Sums up our fans on here though.

he wasnt even the worse one out there...

Correct, he wasn’t the worse but he hasn’t shown anything in the last 18 months and, whatever his fans say, he has had plenty of chances.

The ability is there but the attitude isn’t, hopefully his contract is up soon as a move would be best for all parties and he’s probably on one of the best contracts after being signed for £11m.

his fans ?..im a Cardiff fan mate , so want the best 11 irrelevant of their names or cost ...and yes i am correct. he was not the worse ..the overall team performance was awful on the back of a number of very poor performances .. did people expect a player who has been largely excluded to come in and carry us roy of the rovers style to victory and single handedly turn our form around when all around were poor ?
be honest here..we have been dire and his part in that as been very little..in fact his whole time here he hasnt been in a decent team firstly in a team that the world and his brother thought would finish bottom of the prem..then a third of a season in a revolving doors team struggling to settle followed by the appointment of this { choose your own words } and not being picked... we have bigger problems than Josh and that 11mill ,yes its a lot but that really was not of his doing...

Murphy is the fastest player in the squad and is the only logical candidate to play centrally with Moore to run in behind. We are too slow and predictable at the moment.

Is speed the only attribute it takes to logically pick a no.10?

Also what about Wilson?

needs a real run of games, 10-15 straight starts, in a more forward role in my mind, the odd start and 20 mins here and there out wide, not sure is fair to signal him out when others are doing nothing as well.

if we can get him going, I beleave he is still one of the best players we have, and with a few goals playing most weeks, will really help us this season.

He COULD be one of the best players we have but he doesn’t seem interested. I was a fan of his and have backed him when others lost patience with him. Now I’ve lost patience with him. I agree a good run might do him good, but we don’t have a solid first 11 and a solid preferred formation, and with that he’s a waste of a starting place. He hasn’t shown anything to say he’s worth anywhere near the £12m we paid. I wouldn’t have called Paterson a footballer, no technique, couldn’t strike a ball cleanly, he’s had some luck to get where he is and good luck to him but I’d have started him before Murphy.

Murphy is the fastest player in the squad and is the only logical candidate to play centrally with Moore to run in behind. We are too slow and predictable at the moment.

Is speed the only attribute it takes to logically pick a no.10?

Also what about Wilson?

he has more than speed though... im a bit puzzled why there is this throw Murphy under a bus thing going on.... weve been dog shite and he has hardly played...and when he has , he hasnt been great but really hasnt been the worse out there..

Murphy is the fastest player in the squad and is the only logical candidate to play centrally with Moore to run in behind. We are too slow and predictable at the moment.

Is speed the only attribute it takes to logically pick a no.10?

Also what about Wilson?

he has more than speed though... im a bit puzzled why there is this throw Murphy under a bus thing going on.... weve been dog shite and he has hardly played...and when he has , he hasnt been great but really hasnt been the worse out there..

Totally agree. He got hooked Wednesday and it was obvious it was going to happen.

He never gets a chance.