Jacob Murphy now names the 'aggressive' player that has made the biggest impact at Newcastle United this season

Newcastle United are blessed with some extremely gifted players these days with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak often coveted by so-called 'bigger' clubs.

You could also add Sven Botman to that list, although the Dutchman is still getting back up to speed after nine months out of action.

The fact that Newcastle now have a core group of players of this quality should start to dispel the myth that our stars are using our club as a stepping stone to bigger things - although the southern-based, 'big six' biased media are yet to cotton on to this fact.

Each one of the aforementioned players brings something unique to the squad and could all be highlighted individually as being a key figure in Newcastle's success, but Jacob Murphy has managed to pick the player he believes is the main reason for Newcastle's rise up the league table this season.

Jacob Murphy has named the player who he feels has been 'unbelievable' this season

Given that Murphy has developed a telepathic link with Alexander Isak this season with the duo being the most productive pair in the Premier League, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Murphy would have picked our star striker, but speaking to CBS Golazo, Murphy actually selected someone different.

According to our underrated winger, it's Sandro Tonali who has been the key this season.

“I can’t praise Sandro enough. He’s been unbelievable since he came back in. Playing six, he has helped unlock the potential in this team. We’ve managed to move Bruno higher up the pitch.

“He’s awesome. He covers every blade of grass. He’s really quick, super strong, aggressive in the duel. He finds wonderful pockets to get into to start dictating play for us.

“It’s nice and it’s reassuring that you can turn around and know that he’s going to be looking after you.”

We have been very impressed with Sandro Tonali this season

We have been extremely impressed with the Italian's engine in recent games, seeing him make gut-busting runs down the pitch at all points of the game, even deep into second-half stoppage time. We didn't realise just how quick he is, either. He's the full package.

Despite that 10-month absence, £55 million is looking like a bargain. Hopefully, there is absolutely zero truth to all these reports of him returning to Italy, and he stays at Newcastle for a good while yet.

Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali and Joelinton make up one of the best midfield trios in the league these days when they're firing on all cylinders.