Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has waxed lyrical about the improvement of a number of Magpies' players this season but his recent comparison to Barcelona star Lamine Yamal speals volumes.

Eddie Howe's side are one of the in form sides in the Premier League at the midway point of the campaign, winning their last nine games on the bounce in all competitions. Alexander Isak continues to spearhead the Toon's charge up the table with the Magpies leaping from the bottom half of the table into Champions League contention.

However, it's Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy who Shearer - perhaps somewhat tongue in cheek - compared to Barca's Yamal on the most recent The Rest Is Football podcast. The Toon legend, along with Gary Lineker and Micah Richards waxed lyrical about the Toon's impressive purple patch, Isak, Howe and the stellar recruitment done at St. James' Park in recent years.

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Chronicle Live has transcribed the full transcript on Newcastle for you to read below...

Full The Rest is Football transcript:

Alan Shearer: "It was bloody brilliant [Match of The Day]. You know why?"

Gary Lineker: "Because Newcastle won Al?

AS: "Correct! It was good actually, there was a couple of decent games wasn't there?"

GL: "You have got turning every subject known to man into talking about Newcastle off to a tee. It's almost an art form. We were just texting on the group chat and I'd sent you all a clip of Lamine Yamal nutmegging someone. It was a beautiful bit of football and he's gone 'well he's no Jacob Murphy!' I mean, every single thing."

AS: "Come on lads give me a bit of slack. I've got to cheer when things are going well, over the years we've had our fair share of s--- haven't we? Things are going well so I'm pushing it."

Micah Richards: "You know what's hilarious? Is when Alan is doing his analysis, he's got different pitches for his voice. He'll do analysis and explain things really well, he'll go into detail and as soon as he's doing Newcastle [he gets louder] 'Isak, his positioning, he's got absolutely everything. He can shoot from anywhere. He is sensational!' It's hilarious to see, you can see he's getting all excited before he's about to do his analysis on Newcastle, wow."

GL: "Lets start with Newcastle while we're on the subject. I was going to start with the North London derby but it doesn't matter, we're talking about Newcastle. Even when we're talking about the North London derby you'll probably bring in the Magpies at some point! They are looking good though Alan, the transformation in the last few weeks has been stark!"

AS: "They've gone from within four-and-a-half weeks, from twelfth to fourth, hardly conceding and looking impressive all over the pitch. Every player is playing so well and they look a proper team. Obviously key to that, is Isak and keeping him fit. He's scored in eight games in a row now and has something like 16 in 16 games, which is phenomenal. I was out today with seven of my pals, I went to play golf up the coast and that's all they're talking about. They were all at the game last night and they're loving what they're watching at the minute. It's a happy place the Toon at the minute."

GL: "He's in a rich vein of form is Isak and he's a player we've obviously admired for a long time. I think what he's really benefitting from is a long period where he's not been injured. So he's up to his absolute peak and you can tell his confidence, even when he talks before or after games, he's in that area, that you and I know Alan, when things are going for you, you just know. You go on the pitch feeling that you're sure to score. Eight games on the bounce, did that not beat one of your joint records? You had it joint with Joe Willock who scored seven on the bounce. Was there a graphic go up last night?"

MR: "Yes, there was a graphic and Alan wasn't on it which was fantastic Gary!"

AS: "Which he took great delight in picking out didn't you Micah?"

MR: "It was a graphic where Isak had scored eight in eight, so I think it was eight upwards to Vardy."

GL: "Yeah Vardy holds the record who beat Van Nistelrooy's record of ten, didn't he? 11 in Leicester's title winning season. See I've brought it to Leicester."

AS: "By the way, do you think he can do it? [Beat Vardy's record] because the next three games Newcastle have got are Bournemouth at home, Southampton away and Fulham at home. That would take him to 11. Not bad games."

GL: "It's possible. I mean how good is he Alan on a serious note, where does he stand alongside the best number nine's in world football at present? I know he's on a rich vein of form, but overall package.

AS: "Yeah he's right up there. He's the best in the Premier League at the minute. Everything he's doing, he's just full of confidence and has great belief. His feet are so quick and if you give him space to run in to then you've got no chance. He's a great finisher and he's the whole package there's no doubt about it. He's only 25. He can still improve and get better. He's great to watch and he's just got this style. Arrogant in a great way because as you rightly say, he's got that belief that he's untouchable at the minute and what a feeling that is."

GL: "Do you know what the fourth game to beat that record is?"

AS: "Is it Liverpool away?"

GL: "No it's City away. They're a bit fragile at the moment. Gordon is playing well, I mean they all are at the moment right round the pitch, they've got that dynamism in the side."

AS: "Compare Newcastle's recruitment to Man United's recruitment over the last three or four years. Newcastle's recruitment has been off the charts. Two full-backs who have every chance of playing for England for a long time. Botman, Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in the midfield, Anthony Gordon on the left, Isak up top. Their recruitment has been off the chart impressive. That is such a huge part of football and that's one of the reasons they look so good."

MR: "Pope as well Al."

AS: "Yeah, Pope as well."

MR: "I know he's been out injured but a great signing."

AS: "Even Fabian Schar before that. I think he cost £3million which is ridiculous. And by the way, we haven't mentioned how Eddie is getting the best out of Jacob Murphy, out of Dan Burn. They're all playing their part guys."

MR: "Toonali though."

GL: "Yeah, Toonali."

MR: "Tonali is a special player, when I watch him, his football intelligence is off the scale. You did a clip yesterday at the end of your analysis Al about his work rate. His passing, just watching the way he receives the ball how he's always on the half turn. He's always available for that pass. Yes, of course, you've got runners in midfield - Joelinton and Bruno - but Tonali is the one. I think since he's come into the team I think they've been different. Newcastle have tried certain things, I remember doing analysis on Gordon going to the right, he put a nice ball into the box and it looked like they were getting better but I think Tonali is the difference. He's class."

GL: "And another important aspect of their recruitment is Eddie Howe. What an inspired decision that has turned out to be. I think we always thought he was a really good coach. Intelligent and plays a kind of football that is extremely pleasing on the eye, particularly when they're going well and have the energy. I think occasionally you've seen a dip in energy and they struggle. If they can maintain that dynamic and this sort of form, which is not easy obviously, to be so good consistently. Even if they can carry on at close to current level, they have a real chance of the Champions League spots, particularly when it looks like five teams [qualifying]."

AS: "He's improved every single player and I think that's one of the biggest compliments we can actually pay him. I use those two as an example. Jacob Murphy has been phenomenal this season, and Dan Burn, who didn't cost a lot of money but the way he's got those two playing in particular, he's a fantastic coach. You just mentioned it there about philosophy and playing out from the back, Newcastle don't mind doing that, but they do it at the right time. There's no problem with the goalkeeper launching it and kicking it long when they have to. He's a very, very good coach and doing a great job."