While Wolves supporters might give a different kind of welcome to Jonjo Shelvey when they host Newcastle United later today, the Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has a different take.
Shelvey was handed a five-match suspension for racially abusing a Wolves midfielder Romain Saiss. He will be facing the Molineux club for the first time since his suspension.
The 24 year will be captaining the Magpies and the manager Rafa Benitez will be heavily relying on him. Shelvey’s excellent form after coming back from suspension is the reason behind Newcastle United’s rise to the top of the Championship table.
Benitez has advised the player to solely concentrate on his football as they can’t afford any slip-ups at this crucial time of the season. The Toons are only a point adrift from second placed Brighton and will be looking forward to continuing their good form in the Championship.
The gaffer said, “The best thing Jonjo can do is concentrate on his football.
“That’s it. He’s a very good player that has to grow in terms of being more mature and being more focused on what he can do on the pitch.
“That’s it. He’s a very good player that has to grow in terms of being more mature and being more focused on what he can do on the pitch.
“He can still make mistakes like all of us do, but he has been learning and improving. I have seen this month that he is working harder, he is more focused, and hopefully we will see that he can play in the level that he can play in every single game.”
Since joining Newcastle United from Swansea last season, the midfielder has gone on to make his presence felt in the Newcastle midfield. His slick passing and break up play has been an integral part of Benitez’s strategy.
Newcastle must defeat Wolves to cement their place at the top of the Championship and for that, the English midfielder needs to be at the top of his game.
