Dwight Gayle believes Jacob Murphy was justified in publicly defending his effectiveness for Newcastle United following the Magpies' 1-1 draw with Fulham last weekend.
Murphy scored Newcastle's only goal at Craven Cottage on Saturday and later hit back at critics who suggested the 31-year-old should no longer be in the team.
He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I think for some people my playing style may not be for them but I know what I bring and it is effective. Believe me."
Gayle Defends Murphy's Contribution
Gayle, who played alongside Murphy at both Newcastle and West Brom, said the comments caused a stir but that the unseen work of one of his "really close friends" gave him the right to respond to criticism.
"With humans in general I think people want to see people look like they're successful without having to try hard or you just want to see mavericks," Gayle told Chronicle Live via UK bingo sites.
"But he's someone who's so effective with his numbers, what he does for the team, running in and out of possession. His mentality is spot on at all points. He helps around with so much in terms of being that captain mentality and he leads by example."
Murphy's Mental Growth Praised
Gayle highlighted the transformation in Murphy's approach since his early days at the club.
"People see what he does on the training ground and he hasn't literally been born into that situation. I remember when he was joining West Brom and when he first joined Newcastle he was someone that was quite a weak mentality and he's changed it so much and grown so much as a person," he said.
"He is one of my really close friends, I actually love the kid and he's obviously an inspiration for a lot of people because there's nothing better than someone who's worked hard, that hasn't had it his way. He has been written off a few times at the club but to still be there and performing is amazing to see."
Murphy's goal at Craven Cottage was his latest contribution for Newcastle, where he continues to feature regularly despite periodic doubts about his place in the starting lineup.
