Jonjo Shelvey, the one enigmatic player that you want to love, but end up hating. If you’re a Liverpool fan, the panache shown by him on that day when he was man enough to point a finger towards Sir Alex Ferguson will endear him to you. But the root cause, of him being sent off in such a big game, will supersede that. If you’re a Swansea City fan, well, that night at Liberty will always come to mind. The night where he showed the quality he possesses by playing a hand in both the Welsh side’s goals, as well as the two Liverpool managed on the night.
Since his move to Newcastle, Shelvey has had a topsy-turvy time at Tyneside. Often touted as a star in the making, Shelvey has at times failed to control his aggression. He’s still better off than a Ravel Morrison or a Joey Barton at this stage, though, as the Toon army believe in the lad who has been pretty influential for them this season.
When Newcastle were in the second tier last time, it was their British core that stepped up. The likes of Steven Taylor, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll were instrumental in the return to top flight and there’s a similar feel this time too. Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles have been phenomenal at the back while the duo of Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden have done well in the midfield. Up front, Dwight Gayle has put to bed the doubts raised when he was signed by the club, with 17 goals in 18 League appearances. Shelvey, though, has played a key role.
In football, confidence is often a tool that players thrive on, but for the lad from Charlton, it doesn’t really matter. Shelvey isn’t a confidence player, not to say that he doesn’t play better if he is on form, but he’s one player who does things irrespective of his form. The long-range passes, the audacious attempts from 30 yards out, and the bursts from midfield are a reminder that he doesn’t need to be at his best to make things happen.
Shelvey has had a bit of a mad December and although Newcastle are likely to appeal the five-game ban, it’s unlikely the FA will budge. His creativity will be a huge miss and even though Rafa Benitez has options up his sleeve, none can replace the enigmatic midfielder.
Jack Colback seems like the safest option but Mo Diame has stated previously that he doesn’t mind playing in the deeper role which enables him to burst forward with his unstoppable drive. Newcastle have some tough games against Sheffield Wednesday and Brentford in the coming weeks, fixtures Shelvey is likely to miss. Even though Rafa has players, these will be testing times for the team. Shelvey has played every game so far and has been outstanding for them, so they could well miss him.
